Cotabato City Shooting: Police Identify a Person of Interest
The Cotabato City police have identified one of the two gunmen who ambushed and killed a Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairman and his brother in the city’s commercial district over the weekend. Police Col. Jibin Bongcayao confirmed the development on Monday, saying that a person of interest may have a direct link to the crime and that investigators are pursuing leads with the aid of surveillance footage.
Authorities emphasized that no definitive motive has been disclosed publicly as the investigation unfolds. The case has rapidly become a focus for local law enforcement, which is systematically reviewing CCTV footage from nearby businesses and city government cameras to map the gunmen’s movements before and after the attack.
What Happened: The Ambush Details
Prince Mohaz Matanog, the SK chairperson of Barangay Poblacion 5, and his brother Muamar Matanog were traveling in a car along Sinsuat Ave around 10 a.m. on Saturday when two men on a motorbike opened fire. Both victims were pronounced dead on arrival at a hospital. A responding police officer was wounded in the exchange of gunfire when officers attempted to confront the assailants.
The city’s police director noted that an immediate manhunt is underway for the gunmen, including a suspect who was wounded during the initial exchange and is now being sought in connection with the crime.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
Col. Bongcayao said investigators are actively pursuing a line of inquiry that could reveal a direct link to the ambush. The use of CCTV footage is central to the probe, with footage from both private businesses and city cameras being reviewed to reconstruct the sequence of events and identify other potential accomplices.
In the wake of the shooting, Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Matabalao announced a cash reward of P500,000 for credible information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. The offer aims to accelerate the process of bringing the perpetrators to justice and to deter similar attacks in the future.
Context and Community Impact
The killing of a young SK chairperson and his brother in broad daylight sent shockwaves through Cotabato City’s political and civic communities. The Sangguniang Kabataan is an organization for youth leadership, and the violence against a youth leader raises concerns about safety and governance in the city’s districts. Local officials have urged residents to cooperate with investigators to help maintain stability in the area.
Officials stress that police will maintain a strong presence as the investigation proceeds and that they will release updates as new information becomes available. The public is reminded to report any information that could assist authorities in identifying the suspects or providing critical details about the incident.
What Comes Next
As investigators sift through CCTV footage and pursue the person of interest, the case may hinge on newly uncovered digital evidence or eyewitness accounts. The city’s law enforcement agencies have underscored the importance of sharing information through official channels and avoiding the spread of unverified rumors that could complicate the investigation.
The larger questions around motives and potential connections will likely be clarified in the coming days as more bodies of evidence are reviewed and testimonies are collected. Citizens are urged to stay informed through official police updates and to remain vigilant for any further advisories from city authorities.
