COTABATO CITY — A 21-year-old delivery driver died after being shot multiple times by unidentified gunmen Thursday evening, February 26, along Doña Teresa Street in Poblacion 4, according to authorities.
The victim was identified by Police Station 1 Commander PMaj Teofisto Ferrer Jr. as Michael Rosales Andum, 21, a worker of Ernest Reston & Catering and a resident of the area. Initial police reports said Andum was standing in front of a gate and smoking when the suspect approached him shortly before the shooting.
According to investigators, the suspect and the victim reportedly exchanged a few words before several gunshots suddenly rang out around 7:30 p.m. Responding police officers and personnel from the Philippine Marines immediately rushed to the scene after receiving reports of the incident.
Andum sustained multiple gunshot wounds, including one in the neck, two in the chest, and another in the back. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was later declared dead on arrival.
Crime scene investigators recovered five empty shells from a .45 caliber pistol at the site of the shooting, indicating that several shots were fired during the attack.
Authorities said they have already identified a person of interest in connection with the killing and have launched a hot pursuit operation to track down the suspect or suspects involved.
Police continue to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the motive behind the attack as well as to identify whether the incident was targeted or related to any prior dispute.
The fatal shooting has alarmed residents in the area, as law enforcement officials step up efforts to resolve the case and ensure public safety in the city of Cotabato City.