Koronadal City Police now have one suspect in custody, while another succumbed to gunshot wounds after a violent encounter at a COMELEC checkpoint in Barangay Namnama, Koronadal City, on Friday evening, January 24, 2025.
According to Koronadal PNP spokesperson PCapt. Ralph Marvin Rivera, the incident began when two men riding a Raider motorcycle made a sudden U-turn upon nearing the checkpoint. This raised the suspicions of officers on duty, prompting them to pursue the duo.
The chase ended with the apprehension of the suspects, but not without resistance. One of the men, identified as Bayan Datukan of Barangay Tamnag, Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat, allegedly attempted to grab the firearm of a police officer. In the scuffle, the firearm reportedly discharged accidentally, striking Datukan in the head. He was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
The other suspect, Kano Galangan of Barangay Mamali, Lutayan, was arrested and remains in police custody. Authorities reported the recovery of two sachets of suspected shabu and drug paraphernalia from the suspects.
While police insist the shooting was accidental, questions and suspicions have arisen regarding their account of events. Some observers and relatives have cast doubt on the police narrative, alleging inconsistencies and possible misconduct. A witness claimed that the victim showed signs of physical assault prior to the fatal gunshot wound.
Calls for transparency have intensified, with demands for the release of CCTV footage to clarify what transpired. Relatives of the deceased suspect have refrained from making statements but maintain that the two men were innocent.
The Koronadal City PNP clarified that the checkpoint was part of election-related security operations led by PLt. Sherwin Cervera. They emphasized their commitment to due process and pledged a thorough investigation into the incident.
Datukan’s remains have been turned over to his family and will be buried in accordance with Islamic traditions. Meanwhile, rights groups and the public await further details as the incident continues to spark debate over the handling of checkpoint operations and police accountability.
