Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. ordered on Thursday, Feb. 16, the Philippine National Police (PNP) to investigate the shooting incident that killed a 13-year old boy and injured two others in a remote area in Pikit, North Cotabato.
In a statement, Abalos directed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. to lead the investigation in the shooting incident that occurred on Feb. 14 in coordination with the regional offices of the DILG and PNP.
The fatality was a resident of Barangay Macabual and a student of the Pikit National High School while two of his companions, both 12-year-old boys, were wounded in the attack and are currently undergoing treatment at a hospital.
Initial investigation revealed that the three students were walking home at past noon when a gunman tailed them and shot them from behind.
The parents of the fatality quickly took the boy’s remains on the same day and buried him according to Islamic rites.
Police said 19 empty shells of a caliber 5.56 mm and caliber 7.62 mm were recovered at the crime scene.
Police said they have already identified persons of interest based on the account of the witnesses.
The DILG chief condemned the incident and is currently coordinating with National Security Adviser Eduardo Año and the Department of National Defense (DND) officer in charge (OIC) Carlito Galvez Jr. for the immediate arrest of the suspects.
Abalos also expressed sympathies to the families of the victims and vowed to intensify efforts to attain lasting peace in Mindanao.