Three individuals were killed while two others were injured in a shooting incident in Sausa Extension, Brgy. Rosary Heights 12, Cotabato City on Monday evening, Oct. 23.
In a press release issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Cotabato, the three casualties were identified as:
- Nur-Moqtadin Butucan - a barangay kagawad candidate in Brgy. Rosary Heights 12
- Alfar Singh Ayunan Pasariran - a barangay kagawad candidate in Brgy. Kalanganan
- Faisal Abas - supporter
Two other supporters sustained wounds due to the shooting, and they were identified as Saipul Sapalon and Fajeed Daud.
"Based on the investigation of Police Station 1, Cotabato City Police Office, the victims were just hanging posters/tarpaulins in relation to the BSKE [Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections] along Sausa Extension, Brgy. RH12, Cotabato City at around 9:30 PM of October 23, 2023, when the said suspects fired upon them resulting in the death of the said three individuals and the wounding of two others," PNP Cotabato said.
It said that pursuit and clearing operations were immediately launched by police authorities, and 12 suspects were then arrested.
According to PNP Cotabato, police authorities also seized seven ammunition, two baofeng handheld radios, a beretta 9mm pistol with 25 ammunition, a caliber 5.56 Armalite rifle, and seven ammunition.
"The arrested suspects are now in the custody of Police Station 1, CCPO and appropriate charges are being prepared against them," it said.
According to RH Jun Dimacutac's report on Rapido Hataw Balita, the three slain individuals were laid to rest by their respective families.
One of the 12 arrested suspects was identified as Juhalidin Ladesla Abdul alias "Boyong" who is said to be a candidate for barangay chairman in Brgy. Rosary Heights 12.
3 patay, 1 kritikal sa barilan ng magkakalabang kandidato sa BSKE sa Cotabato | RH 19 Jun Dimacutac#RapidoHatawBalita#SamaSamaTayoPilipino
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Meanwhile, in a statement, Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Matabalo said they are "deeply saddened and angered by the election-related tension that escalated to a violent firefight."
"The loss of three lives in this incident is not only tragic but also a direct affront to the peaceful democratic process we hold dear in our city. Despite the imposition of the COMELEC [Comission on Election] gun ban, it is alarming and unacceptable that individuals continue to resort to firearms and violence," he said.
Matabalo assured that "those who jeopardize the safety and harmony" of Cotabato City will feel the "full weight of the law bears."
"The blatant defiance of the gun ban will not be tolerated, and those accountable will face severe consequences," he stressed.
