KABACAN, COTABATO (October 25) — A soldier tagged as the primary suspect in the killing of two officials of Barangay Lower Paatan here surrendered on Saturday, Oct. 24. The Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) facilitated the surrender.
Cpl. Virgilio Magbiray Jr. of the Army’s 90th Infantry Battalion is accused of shooting dead brothers Bayan Patacpan Maganaka, a barangay kagawad, and Ibrahim Patacpan Maganaka, the barangay’s cashier and bookkeeper.
The shooting happened before dawn on Oct. 21. A 17-year-old companion was seriously wounded in the attack.
Maj. Greg Palalay, deputy chief of the Kabacan Municipal Police Station, said the brothers were managing an overnight community gathering in Purok Liwliwa when a commotion broke out at about 1 a.m. over the alleged stoning of the dance floor.
The brothers stepped in, Palalay said. An altercation then allegedly ensued between them and Magbiray, who reportedly shot both with a 9mm pistol. The brothers died on the spot.
Lt. Col. Loqui Marco, commanding officer of the 90th Infantry Battalion, presented Magbiray to Brig. Gen. Gremel Brual, commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade. Magbiray also turned over the firearm allegedly used in the killing.
Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu, the newly installed 6ID commander, ordered the soldier’s turnover to the Kabacan police for appropriate legal proceedings.
“The law applies equally to everyone, regardless of rank or position, and anyone found guilty of violating the law must be held accountable in accordance with due process,” Catu said.
He said the 6ID remains committed to upholding the rule of law, ensuring accountability, and respecting the constitutional rights of every individual.
The killing prompted Lower Paatan Punong Barangay Abdulracid Dima to suspend classes at Lower Paatan Elementary School on Oct. 21 as a precaution for the safety of learners, teachers and school personnel.
Mayor Evangeline Pascua-Guzman earlier said barangay officials and police investigators were working together to resolve the case.
Magbiray is under police custody pending appropriate legal proceedings.
