Cotabato City – June 28, 2025 — More than a year after the fatal shooting of Police Staff Sergeant Zahran Mustapha Dicolano, a key eyewitness has come forward to name the alleged perpetrators and shed light on the incident that rocked Cotabato City on January 2, 2024.
In a sworn affidavit, Rolex Budsal Sakal, who identified himself as a security guard at the residence of Datu Rauf Sinsuat Macalandong since 2023, claimed he personally witnessed the shooting outside the home of former Congressman Datu Roonie Sinsuat along Rosales Street in Barangay Rosary Heights 6.
Sakal named Datu Jameel Sinsuat, Datu Jamael “MJ” Sinsuat Jr., Jasmer Mungkar alias “Puti”, and two other unnamed individuals, all reportedly residents of Poblacion, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte, as the suspects in the killing of PSSgt. Dicolano.
In his statement, Sakal said he decided to testify not only to help the family of the slain police officer achieve justice but also to clear the names of those wrongly accused in the case.
One of those previously implicated but later cleared due to lack of evidence was former Maguindanao Board Member Asnawi “Jojo” Limbona. The City Prosecutor’s Office dismissed the complaint against him earlier due to insufficient grounds.
In a Facebook post, Limbona expressed his gratitude following the emergence of Sakal’s testimony.
“Thankful that someone has finally come forward to speak the truth about what happened on January 2, 2024. In shaa Allah, justice will be achieved for PSSgt. Dicolano,” Limbona wrote.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the new testimony, but the emergence of a direct witness is expected to significantly impact the progress of the ongoing investigation.
The killing of PSSgt. Dicolano, which had long remained unresolved, now sees a renewed push for justice as key revelations surface.