MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato — Abdul Patah Pendaman, an active company commander of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), was shot dead early Monday morning in Midsayap, North Cotabato.
According to initial reports from the Midsayap Police, Pendaman, who resided in Sitio Basak, Barangay Tugal, Kadayangan, was escorting his nephew to Salunayan Elementary School at around 6:00 a.m. when unidentified gunmen fired upon him. He sustained a gunshot wound to the head and was declared dead on the spot.
Pendaman served as Company Commander of the Headquarters Battalion, 9th Brigade, 182nd Base Command of the BIAF-MILF. Relatives confirmed that he had no known enemies, leaving the motive for the killing unclear.
Authorities have launched a pursuit operation in collaboration with the 34th Infantry Battalion to track down the suspects. Police are conducting a thorough investigation to identify the perpetrators and determine the motive behind the attack.
This incident adds to the growing concern over targeted attacks in the region, prompting local authorities to intensify security measures in Midsayap and surrounding areas.