The recent spate of shootings in Cotabato City raises alarming questions about security, particularly given that these incidents occurred during the election gun ban. The gun ban, which is intended to curb violence during the election period, prohibits civilians from carrying firearms, making these attacks even more concerning. If security measures were properly enforced, how have these criminals managed to carry out their attacks so brazenly?
In just the past few weeks, the city has witnessed at least five separate shooting incidents. One of the most shocking occurred inside KCC Mall of Cotabato, where an engineer was killed and a laborer was injured. Shortly thereafter, gunfire erupted on Makakua Street in Poblacion VI, wounding a security guard. Another attack in Rosary Heights 9 resulted in the death of a tricycle driver. Most recently, another shooting in Rosary Heights 3 claimed the lives of an engineer and his female companion. These violent acts, carried out in different locations across the city, paint a grim picture of lawlessness and a deeply troubling security lapse.
City Vice Mayor Johari “Butch” Abu has voiced serious concerns over these incidents, pointing out that they tarnish the image of Cotabato City and instill fear among residents. He has also questioned the effectiveness of the Quick Response Teams (QRTs) tasked with maintaining peace and order. If these teams are in place, why have they been unable to prevent these shootings or swiftly apprehend the perpetrators? Vice Mayor Abu has rightfully demanded transparency, calling for a list of active QRT personnel and requiring representatives from the Public Safety Office to address these pressing concerns.
Mayor Bruce Matabalao, for his part, has instructed the city police to conduct thorough investigations and pursue those responsible. He has also assured the public that previous cases have been resolved, countering claims that no progress has been made. Additionally, he has scheduled a Peace and Order Council meeting to discuss security measures more comprehensively. However, while these assurances are necessary, they do little to erase the fear gripping the city’s residents.
Beyond local leadership, the continuing issue of loose firearms in the Bangsamoro region must be addressed at a higher level. The presence of unlicensed firearms fuels these violent attacks, making enforcement of gun control laws a matter of urgency. The election gun ban exists precisely to prevent politically motivated violence, yet its effectiveness is called into question when incidents like these persist unchecked.
Further complicating the situation is the fact that Mayor Matabalao and Vice Mayor Abu will be going head-to-head in the upcoming election. Instead of working together to resolve the crisis, both leaders appear to be using this issue to attack each other. This political rivalry raises concerns that security measures may be undermined by personal and political agendas, rather than focusing on the safety and well-being of Cotabato City’s residents.
It is also worth noting that during the plebiscite, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), through the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), promised that the city would become progressive and peaceful once they won governance. However, the current surge in violent crimes tells a different story, leaving residents anxious and fearful for their safety. If this trend continues, it will only erode public trust in the region’s leadership.
Cotabato City is not just any urban center—it is the seat of power of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). As such, it should be one of the safest places in the region, setting an example for governance and security. Yet, the rising crime rates paint a stark contrast to these expectations, further emphasizing the urgent need for concrete action.
The authorities must take immediate and decisive action to ensure that security measures are not just on paper but are actively enforced. Increased patrols, stricter inspections, and a renewed crackdown on loose firearms are essential. More importantly, there must be accountability—both for those failing to uphold the law and for those committing these brazen acts of violence.
Cotabato City residents deserve to feel safe in their own community. With the election period still underway, it is imperative that law enforcement agencies step up their efforts before more lives are lost.
