KIDAPAWAN CITY, Cotabato — A 25-year-old man identified as Bernabe “Weng” Luhong Pandayan was shot dead inside the compound of a tilapia farm in Barangay Perez, Kidapawan City, in the early hours of November 19. The property is reportedly owned by a local politician, and the shooting has sparked calls from the victim’s family for a transparent investigation.
The Kidapawan City Police confirmed that Pandayan was killed inside the compound of Board Member Joseph Evangelista, according to their official report. Mayor Paolo Evangelista, meanwhile, has refrained from issuing any statement, saying he prefers to leave the matter to the police to avoid perceptions of bias.
According to Barangay Perez Chairman Allan Masibay Jr., the victim allegedly entered the private property without permission around 12:30 a.m. and was confronted by the on-duty caretaker, identified as Jeramil “Ramil” Magsipoc Rafael, 34. Police said the caretaker claimed the victim became aggressive during the confrontation, prompting him to fire his weapon. Pandayan sustained multiple gunshot wounds, including one that pierced through his back.
The caretaker has since been turned over to the Kidapawan City PNP for investigation.
Authorities recovered a homemade UZI 9mm pistol with four live rounds at the crime scene. Police, however, have yet to confirm whether the weapon belonged to the caretaker or the victim, and have not released details on whether proper forensic procedures were conducted.
Family Raises Concerns: “We Deserve to Know Why He Was Shot”
Pandayan’s family is demanding clarity, saying the manner of his death and the handling of his remains raise serious questions.
Relatives said Weng returned home briefly on Tuesday but did not come back the following days. By Friday, the family learned his body was already at the Woodhaven area in Kidapawan. His remains were reportedly retrieved around 2 a.m. without SOCO responding, and were kept at a morgue for three days before police informed the family.
“Daghan siya’g tama sa bala. Naay nilapos sa likod. Wala mi kabalo unsay sala niya, nganong gipusil siya. Dili mi matahimik kay wala mi kahibalo sa tinuod nga nahitabo,” a grieving family member said, lamenting the lack of immediate explanation from authorities or the property owners.
The family described him as quiet and kind, adding that the shock of his sudden death continues to haunt them.
Local Government Urges Police-Led Communication
Mayor Paolo Evangelista has declined to comment further, saying he wants the PNP to take the lead in giving official statements to avoid any impression of partiality, given the political implications of the incident.
Investigation Ongoing
The Kidapawan City PNP is continuing its investigation to determine whether the use of deadly force was justified and to clarify inconsistencies surrounding the recovery of the body, the absence of SOCO processing at the scene, and the firearm recovered.
As Pandayan’s family mourns, they also call for justice and transparency: “Weng, we hope someone will tell us the truth. We deserve to know why you were killed.”
Authorities have yet to release further updates as they await results of forensic examinations and testimonies from all involved.