MAKILALA, Cotabato — A man believed to be a victim of summary execution was discovered dead in a grassy portion of Purok Mansanitas, Barangay Saguing, Makilala, Cotabato early Friday morning, August 22, 2025.
The victim was identified as John Mark Cabanlas, of legal age, unemployed, and a former resident of Madrid Subdivision, Poblacion, Kidapawan City. He was recognized through tattoos on his right leg and back. Authorities said Cabanlas no longer had a permanent address and had been staying with friends after being orphaned.
Police reports revealed that Cabanlas sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the head, abdomen, and back. Investigators recovered evidence suggesting he was shot several times with a caliber .45 pistol. A post-mortem examination is still underway to determine the exact cause of death.
According to PCMS Richie Gesulga, spokesperson of the Makilala Police, it is possible that the victim was killed elsewhere and his body was later dumped in the area. However, several residents reported hearing three to four gunshots at around 11:30 p.m. the night before the discovery, though they did not immediately check the scene. It was only the following morning that locals were shocked to find the lifeless body near the roadside.
Further background checks showed that Cabanlas had been previously involved in a stabbing incident in 2020 at the Marasigan Building in Kidapawan City, for which he faced charges of attempted murder. He was also reportedly linked to other illegal activities in the city.
The Makilala Police have denied allegations that they failed to respond promptly, clarifying that no report from residents reached their office until the morning when the body was already discovered.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to establish the motive behind the killing and identify those responsible.