COTABATO CITY (PNA) – The mayor here condemned the series of shootings in this city, the latest of which was the ambush of an Army colonel’s vehicle on Sinsuat Ave. on Saturday night, Nov. 12, that left one soldier dead.
“We strongly condemn the most recent shooting incident and all the other shooting incidents that have transpired in this city,” Mayor Mohammad Ali Matabalao said in a statement on Sunday, Nov. 13.
Lt. Col. Manago Macalintangui, 49; and his driver, Corporal Ramil Laguioman, were on board a Mitsubishi Montero (ZAA-8652) vehicle when they were attacked at about 7:20 p.m. by two gunmen riding tandem on a motorbike.
Laguioman, 34, died instantly from bullet wounds while the Army officer was unhurt in the ambush.
Police found eight empty shells from a .45-caliber pistol at the crime scene.
Brig. Gen. John Guyguyon, Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region head, said investigators are now trying to identify the suspects and the motive of the attack.
The Army officer is assigned at the extension office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity.
He is involved in the government peace programs in the Bangsamoro region.
The shooting came a day after a woman was shot dead on Don Rufino Alonzo Ave. and the Nov. 4 attempt on the life of a Maguindanao town election officer while in this city.
“I have already given a clear and strong directive to the city police to get to the bottom of these cases and intensify security measures,” Matabalao said.
The mayor has also sought the help of Army-led Task Force Kutawato and all force multipliers in addressing the problem.