Pigcawayan, North Cotabato – Barangay Chairman Emmanuel Doctolero of Presbitero, Pigcawayan, survived an armed encounter with unidentified gunmen on Wednesday morning, August 27, 2025.
Initial police reports stated that the exchange of gunfire happened around 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. and lasted for several minutes. Witnesses said Chairman Doctolero engaged the suspects in a firefight before retreating for safety, while the armed men fled toward Cotabato City onboard motorcycles.
Recovered from the scene were several empty shells, but authorities confirmed that Doctolero was unharmed during the incident. It remains unclear whether he received medical attention or proceeded directly to the police station for questioning.
Police from Pigcawayan have secured the area and subjected Doctolero to further investigation as part of the case. Meanwhile, law enforcers are conducting pursuit operations and intelligence gathering to establish the identities and motive of the assailants.
Authorities assured residents that security measures have been heightened in the area while the investigation continues.