KABACAN, COTABATO — November 11, 2025
A bread vendor was shot dead by an unidentified gunman in Sitio Dima, Barangay Lower Paatan, Kabacan, Cotabato, on Monday evening, November 11.
The victim was identified by police as Bernard Rosales Oracoy, a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Kabacan. Oracoy was peddling malunggay pandesal using a black Kawasaki Bajaj motorcycle without a plate number when the attack occurred around 6 p.m.
Initial police investigation revealed that Oracoy sustained three gunshot wounds from a .45 caliber pistol — one to the jaw and two to the left arm. Responding officers recovered two spent shells from the crime scene.
Authorities are still determining the motive behind the killing and are working to identify the suspect.
Meanwhile, the incident comes amid reports of growing tension between mobile bread vendors and owners of local bakeries in parts of North Cotabato and Maguindanao del Sur. Several bakery owners have expressed frustration over the surge of mobile sellers offering malunggay pandesal, saying it has significantly affected their sales. In some areas, the entry of such vendors has even been restricted due to complaints from local establishments.
The Kabacan Municipal Police Station continues its investigation to establish whether the attack was related to the victim’s livelihood or another motive.