Pikit, Cotabato, October 7, 2024 – Another life was lost in a series of violent incidents in Pikit, Cotabato, as a 50-year-old farmer, Abdulkadir C’lo Mantawil, was shot dead in broad daylight. The shooting occurred at 2:25 PM in Barangay Batulawan, Malidegao, part of the Special Geographic Area (SGA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Mantawil, a resident of Barangay Bulol and a married farmer, was the latest victim in a spate of attacks that has rocked the region in recent months.
Local police immediately responded to the crime scene, launching an investigation and a pursuit operation to apprehend the unidentified gunmen, who quickly fled the scene after the attack. Authorities have yet to establish a motive for the killing, but the incident adds to the growing tension in Pikit and nearby areas, where a pattern of violence has persisted.
Recent Shooting Incidents in Pikit
This attack is part of an alarming rise in violent incidents in Pikit and other parts of Cotabato. Just last month, several people were injured in separate shootings, including the fatal ambush of a local government employee. The continued violence has sparked fear and uncertainty among residents, as authorities struggle to restore peace and order in the area.
In recent weeks, Pikit has been the site of multiple killings involving local residents and even government officials, raising concerns about the security situation. Some of the violence has been attributed to clan feuds (rido), but other incidents have left police baffled, with motives ranging from political rivalries to personal disputes. The violence has not only claimed lives but also disrupted the daily routines of residents, forcing many to limit their movement for fear of being caught in the crossfire.
Response from Local and Regional Authorities
BARMM authorities and local government units have been working to address the escalating violence, but challenges remain. The Special Geographic Area, where much of the violence has been concentrated, presents unique law enforcement difficulties due to its complex political and territorial landscape. Efforts to strengthen police presence and conduct peace-building initiatives have been ongoing, but the recurrence of violent incidents points to deep-rooted issues that need long-term solutions.
The local police, backed by BARMM’s security forces, are ramping up efforts to resolve these cases, but they face hurdles such as the lack of witnesses willing to cooperate due to fear of retaliation. Additionally, armed groups in the region, including lawless elements and private armed factions, contribute to the unstable peace and order situation.
Growing Fear Among Pikit Residents
For residents of Pikit, the rising tide of violence has created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. The recent shootings have discouraged many from going about their usual activities, and several businesses have closed earlier than usual to avoid potential risks. Some families have even considered moving to safer areas due to the ongoing threat.
The local government has called for calm, urging residents to cooperate with authorities and report any suspicious activities. However, without significant progress in solving the recent killings, frustration among the community is growing. Local leaders have also appealed for national attention to help address the worsening security situation in the region.
Implications for the Region
The violence in Pikit and nearby areas presents significant challenges for the BARMM’s long-term goals of achieving peace and development. The region, which has made strides in improving its governance and economic outlook since its formation, risks being overshadowed by persistent security issues. The surge in shooting incidents undermines local confidence in law enforcement and government authorities, threatening the overall stability of the region.
If the violence continues, it could hinder ongoing efforts to attract investment, develop infrastructure, and create sustainable livelihoods for the people of BARMM. Peace-building initiatives, therefore, need to be coupled with effective law enforcement to address the root causes of violence and ensure the safety and well-being of the local population.
As investigations into the latest shooting unfold, both local authorities and the national government will be under pressure to curb the rising violence in Pikit and bring those responsible to justice.
