A Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairperson was killed in broad daylight while his brother and another person were injured in an ambush along one of Cotabato City’s busiest streets on Saturday morning.
Police identified the fatality as Prince Mohaz Matanog, SK chairperson of Barangay Poblacion 5. Among the wounded was his younger brother Muamar Matanog and an unidentified bystander. All are residents of Cotabato City.
According to Col. Jibin Bongcayao, city police director, the attack occurred shortly after 10 a.m. in the city center. The victims were aboard a vehicle when unidentified assailants opened fire before fleeing toward an unknown direction.
“Mohaz Matanog was declared dead on arrival at the hospital,” Bongcayao told reporters in an interview.
The victims were in a Toyota Raize, driving along the busy Sinsuat Avenue, corner Jose Lim Street, near the city plaza, when they were ambushed by two men riding on a motorcycle.
Although wounded, the elder Matanog continued driving the vehicle, but the suspects chased them while still firing toward their car.
Police officers on beat patrol chased the suspects, who also traded shots with law enforcers, wounding one policeman.
Responding police rushed the two victims to the hospital, where one was pronounced dead on arrival.
Crime scene operatives recovered about 94 empty shells from the firearms used by the suspects and the responding policemen.
Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Matabalao condemned the daylight shooting, describing it as “an offense against peace, order, and the values of public service that our city stands for.”
He offered a P500,000 reward to anyone who could provide the police with the information about the perpetrators that could lead to their arrest and prosecution.
The Bangsamoro Youth Commission, where Matanog was a member, also condemned the attack.
“His untimely departure is not only a great loss to his family and loved ones but also to the youth and community he served,” Bangsamoro Youth Commissioner Nasserudin Dunding said in a statement.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Bangsamoro regional director Brigadier Gen. Jaysen de Guzman has directed the Cotabato City Police Office to intensify their investigation and manhunt to ensure the swift arrest of those responsible.
