DAVAO CITY – A university professor was gunned down in Cotabato City on Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 25.
City police chief Police Col. Jibin Bongcayao identified the victim as Engr. Israel Angas, 29, a professor at the Notre Dame University College of Engineering and Computer Studies and a resident of Barangay Rosary Heights 3, Cotabato City.
A UNIVERSITY professor was shot dead in Cotabato City while driving his vehicle. (FB)
Investigation said Angas was driving his white Sports Utility Vehicle on his way home when two men on a motorcycle appeared and shot him.Angas was taken to the hospital where he was declared dead.
Recovered from the crime scene were 12 empty shells and slugs from a .45 caliber pistol.
The Notre Dame University in Cotabato City condemned the killing of Angas.
Angas was killed as local police have yet to resolve the killings of five persons in the last two weeks.
“We are profoundly shocked, heartbroken, and outraged by the cold-blooded and senseless killing of Engr. Israel A. Angas, a cherished member of our faculty. This heinous act of violence is not only a grievous loss to our academic community but also an affront to the sanctity of life and the values of humanity we hold dear,” the NDU said in Facebook statement.
The NDU described Angas as a dedicated educator, a mentor, and a beacon of inspiration to his students and colleagues.
“His untimely and tragic death is a stark reminder of the fragility of peace and security in our society – a society where even those who dedicate their lives to nurturing minds and building futures are not spared from mindless brutality.”
The Cotabato City Police Office said they already have a person of interest as well as an alleged motive behind the incident.
The Church-run university appealed before authorities to act swiftly and decisively to bring the perpetrators of the crime to justice.
“Let this not become another unresolved case in the growing list of senseless violence in our country. We urge anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation. Only through collective action can we ensure that justice is served and that such atrocities are prevented in the future,” the NDU said.
A video clip of the incident was captured on a closed-circuit television camera and posted on social media. Footage showed two suspects onboard a motorcycle shooting Angas’ SUV. A group of bystanders, about 10 meters away, scampered to safety after hearing gunfire.
Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Matabalao said police are pursuing the person of interest.
Matabalao belied claims by his political opponents that there are daily shooting incidents in the city.
“Wala ring katotohanan na walang ginagawa ang ating kapulisan. Lalong walang katotohanan na hindi prayoridad ng city government ang peace and order,” he said in a statement.
(There is no truth that police are doing nothing and peace and order is not a priority of the city government)