COTABATO CITY, Philippines – A shooting incident was reported early this morning, May 8, 2025, in Cotabato City, resulting in the death of a 31-year-old man.
The victim, identified as Morshid Kaumpongan Panabal, a resident of Purok Sharrif, Malagapas, Rosary Heights 10, was gunned down at around 5:55 AM. According to initial reports from Police Station 2 (PS2) of the Cotabato City Police Office (CCPO), the suspect, identified as Jam-Jam Ampatuan Tambokan, also known as “Datu Jam” or “Datu Zam Zam,” suddenly appeared and shot the victim multiple times in the neck, armpit, and chest.
Despite efforts by his family to rush him to the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center, Panabal was declared dead on arrival by attending medical personnel.
Authorities from PS2, led by PMAJ Teofisto R. Ferrer Jr., promptly responded to the scene with support from units including the City Mobile Force Company (CMFC), CCPO Tactical Support Command, 14-A RMFB, 1404th RMFC, and MBLT-5 following a report from a concerned citizen.
Initial investigation suggests that the motive behind the shooting may be linked to a personal conflict or misunderstanding. The suspect fled the scene and is currently at large, with his direction of escape still unknown.
Recovered from the crime scene by the Regional Forensic Unit–BAR were three empty bullet casings and three fired bullets, believed to be from a .45 caliber firearm. These pieces of evidence will be submitted for ballistics examination.
Following Islamic tradition, the victim’s remains were immediately brought by relatives to Gang, Sultan Kudarat in Maguindanao del Norte for burial.
As part of the ongoing investigation, PMAJ Ferrer ordered the interview of possible witnesses and the collection of CCTV footage from nearby establishments. A hot pursuit operation has also been launched by authorities in an effort to apprehend the suspect.