Cotabato City ramps up security over series of deadly shootings

COTABATO CITY – The local government unit (LGU) here has ordered law enforcers to beef up security measures following the series of shooting incidents that killed four people and wounded several others since the weekend.

Mayor Mohammad “Bruce” Matabalao pressed the alarm button on Monday, describing the gun attacks as “deeply concerning acts of violence.”

He vowed to bring justice to the victims of the series of shooting incidents since Friday evening, at the same time extending the local government’s condolences to the families of the slain victims.

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READ: Cotabato City LGU vows justice over series of deadly gun attacks

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Condemning the gun attacks, he asked the city residents to cooperate in putting an end to the senseless killings.

“I ask everyone to remain calm, stay vigilant, and avoid sharing unverified information while the investigation is ongoing. If you have information that may help our authorities, I urge you to come forward,” the mayor said.

Matabalao ordered law enforcement agencies to intensify police operations, increase police visibility and checkpoints, strengthen intelligence efforts, and pursue those responsible with urgency.

“We will provide our full support until those behind these crimes are identified, arrested, and brought to justice,” he said.

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Fear gripped residents as shooting incidents transpired on Friday night, Saturday morning, and Sunday morning.

On Friday night, two men on board a motorbike were shot dead along Teodoro V. Juliano Avenue, Barangay Rosary Heights XI.  Three others were hurt in the 11 p.m. shooting that police believed was triggered by a love triangle.

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At 10 a.m. on Saturday, Engr. Surraff Kadir Pasandalan was killed in a gun attack along LR Sebastian Street, Barangay Rosary Heights XII.  His 16-year-old son, who was driving the motorcycle, was injured.

On Sunday morning, a tricycle driver was killed when shot by a suspect along Jose Lim Street in Barangay Poblacion 5. A police officer was wounded in the attack. The suspect was arrested on Monday at a checkpoint here.

READ: Man nabbed for shooting cop over ‘affair’ with wife in Cotabato

Col. Jibin Bongcayao, city police director, urged the public to help the police arrest the perpetrators.

He also assured the residents that the police are taking a proactive stance by establishing more checkpoints and increasing police visibility across the city.

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Bongcayao said one of the motives the police are looking for is “rido” or family feud.  INQ