COTABATO CITY — A youth leader was killed while another individual was wounded in a brazen shooting incident in the heart of Cotabato City on Saturday morning, underscoring once again the persistent wave of violence that has plagued the region.
Initial reports identified the fatality as Prince Muaz Matanog, the alleged Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairperson of Barangay Poblacion 5. He and his companion were on board a red Toyota Raize (plate number NFJ8206) when unidentified gunmen opened fire at the vehicle along Poblacion 5.
The car, riddled with bullets, remained at the crime scene as investigators from the Cotabato City Police processed the area. Bullet casings littered the street, bearing grim evidence of the attack. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the assailants staged the ambush in broad daylight, further heightening the community’s sense of insecurity.
The second victim, whose identity has yet to be confirmed, was rushed to a hospital for treatment. His condition remains undisclosed.
Police have yet to establish the motive behind the shooting and are still working to determine the identities of the suspects. Authorities assured the public that a deeper investigation is underway, although residents remain anxious as incidents of gun-related violence continue to grip Cotabato City and nearby towns.
This latest shooting adds to the string of violent attacks that have long hounded the city, raising alarm over the safety of public officials, community leaders, and ordinary civilians alike. In recent months, Cotabato City has seen multiple high-profile shootings, reflecting what locals describe as a “never-ending cycle of bloodshed” fueled by political rivalries, criminal groups, and weak enforcement of gun control measures.
Community members are once again calling on authorities to put an end to the culture of impunity that allows gunmen to strike without fear of accountability. For many, Saturday’s attack is not just another crime statistic — it is a painful reminder of the dangers faced by young leaders who are meant to represent and uplift their communities.