COTABATO CITY (PNA) – An unidentified gunman shot dead a staff member of Cotabato City Mayor Mohammad Ali Matabalao while he was walking on his way home in neighboring Datu Odin Sinsuat town in Maguindanao del Norte on Thursday, March 9, police said.
Major Regie Albellera, Datu Odin Sinsuat municipal police chief, identified the victim as Faizal Malagiok, 40, an office staffer of Matabalao.
“He died on the spot from about five gunshot wounds,” Albellera said in a radio interview on Friday, March 10.
Malagiok, a resident of SPDA Subdivision, was walking on a dimly lit alley leading to his boarding house when a gunman shot him several times.
Quoting witnesses, Albellera said the gunman fled on board a motorbike.
“We are still facing a blank wall as to the motive and identity of the lone attacker,” he said, adding that investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Matabalao called for a speedy probe into Malagiok’s death.
"Justice for Popeye,” Matabalao said in a Facebook post, referring to the victim's nickname.
The mayor described Malagiok as “a reliable staffer at the Office of the City Mayor and a good friend.”
Before joining the city government, Malagiok is known for hosting Muslim wedding rites as a singer and performer in social events.