Investigation advances after Cotabato City ambush
The Cotabato City Police Office has identified a person of interest in connection with the weekend ambush that killed a Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairperson and his brother in the city’s bustling commercial district. While authorities have not released the suspect’s name, Police Col. Jibin Bongcayao confirmed that a follow-up investigation is underway, supported by CCTV footage from nearby businesses and city government street cameras.
What happened and who were the victims
Prince Mohaz Matanog, the SK chairperson of Barangay Poblacion 5, and his brother Muamar Matanog were driving along Sinsuat Ave. around 10 a.m. on Saturday when two men on a motorcycle opened fire. Both victims were pronounced dead on arrival at a hospital. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, where the SK council plays a vital role in youth governance and community programs.
Police response and ongoing investigation
In a statement issued Monday, Police Col. Bongcayao said investigators are pursuing a lead that may directly connect to the crime. A police officer who first responded to the scene sustained a wound during exchanges of gunfire with the suspects. One gunman was wounded and remains at large, triggering a large-scale manhunt supported by the city’s CCTV network.
The police are analyzing video from multiple angles and cross-referencing it with other security footage and forensics to piece together the suspects’ movements before and after the attack. The investigation is described as active, with authorities emphasizing there is no immediate threat to the public beyond those responsible for the killings.
Rewards and community impact
Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Matabalao announced a reward of 500,000 pesos for credible information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. The mayor’s office said the reward is intended to support investigators in bringing the perpetrators to justice and to reassure residents about their safety in a busy urban area.
Officials are calling for calm as the community processes the loss of two local figures. The SK council, which serves as a youth-advisory body in Barangay Poblacion 5, has long worked on programs ranging from education to local safety initiatives, making this incident particularly unsettling for families and youth involved in civic service.
What comes next
Authorities say the investigation will continue with intensified surveillance and a deep dive into CCTV and other security data. The release of the suspect’s identity will hinge on investigative developments and legal considerations. As investigators pursue leads, residents are urged to report any information that could help pin down the identities of the gunmen and the motive behind the ambush.
Related angles for follow-up
– Any ties to political or youth-group activities in the area.
– Potential indicators of gang activity, personal disputes, or retaliation.
– The role of security cameras in urban crime-solving and how city agencies coordinate to protect public spaces.
