KIDAPAWAN CITY — A 56-year-old money lending collector was gunned down Friday night, November 21, in Purok Lansones, Sandawa Phase 2, Barangay Singao, Kidapawan City, Cotabato province.
The victim, identified as Jaime Villafuerte Bajenting, a resident of Purok Mangga, Poblacion, was reportedly riding his motorcycle when he was attacked by an unidentified assailant around Friday evening. According to initial police reports, the gunman fled quickly after the shooting, leaving Bajenting fatally wounded at the scene.
Investigators from the Kidapawan City Police Office (KCPO) immediately launched a probe and are now collecting CCTV footage from nearby establishments in hopes of identifying the suspect or suspects behind the attack.
Authorities have yet to determine the exact motive, but police are looking into robbery or hold-up as a possible angle, given the victim’s occupation as a collector.
Law enforcers in Kidapawan City, together with barangay officials in Singao, are coordinating closely to track down the perpetrator and ensure that appropriate charges will be filed once identified.
Police have urged anyone with information about the shooting to come forward as the investigation continues.