Cotabato City — Barangay Poblacion 5 Chairman Pahima Ayunan Pasawiran-Pusaka survived an armed attack on Tuesday morning, September 16, along Jose Lim Street, Cotabato City, but her husband and another civilian were killed.
Initial reports revealed that Pusaka and her husband were on board a white Toyota Fortuner (plate number LAL 8792) when unidentified gunmen opened fire at around 10:00 a.m. The barangay official sustained injuries but was rushed to the hospital and is now in stable condition.
Her husband, however, was declared dead on arrival, while a payong-payong (tricycle) driver who happened to be at the area during the attack was also killed after being hit by stray bullets.
Authorities recovered more than 50 empty shells of still unidentified firearms scattered along the highway where the shooting occurred, indicating the volume of fire directed at the victims’ vehicle.
City Police Director Col. Jibin Bongcayao confirmed the incident in a radio interview, saying investigators have already cordoned off the area to gather evidence and pursue leads on the suspects. Pursuit operations are ongoing to track down the perpetrators.
Police are still determining the motive behind the shooting, which adds to a string of recent gun-related incidents in the city.