COTABATO CITY — A police officer was fatally shot on Sunday evening in the parking area of a mall in Barangay Rosary Heights 7, Cotabato City.
The victim, identified as Police Master Sergeant John Manuel Bongcawil, was an intelligence unit operative with the Maguindanao del Norte Police Office.
According to initial reports, Bongcawil was with his family and children, preparing to leave the mall, when an unidentified assailant approached and shot him in the lower face, resulting in his immediate death.
Authorities are actively pursuing the suspect and have launched a thorough investigation to determine the motive behind the attack.
The incident has raised concerns about security in the area, prompting law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrator and ensure public safety.
This event adds to a series of violent incidents in Cotabato City, including the recent shooting of two barangay election candidates in Barangay Rosary Heights 12.
Police urged to the citizens remain vigilant and cooperate with authorities by providing any information that could assist in the swift resolution of this case.
Edith Z Caduaya studied Bachelor of Science in Development Communication at the University of Southern Mindanao.
The chairperson of Mindanao Independent Press Council (MIPC) Inc.
