COTABATO CITY — An 18-year-old woman was shot dead late Thursday night in a residential area in Cotabato City, authorities confirmed.
The victim, identified as Baby Jean Aping Guiapar, a resident of Purok Katuli in Sultan Kudarat, was declared dead on the spot after sustaining gunshot wounds during the attack.
According to police reports, the shooting occurred at around 11:25 p.m. in Purok Al-Ittihad, Barangay Bagua 2. Personnel from the Philippine National Police responded to a call reporting gunfire in the area.
Responding officers found the victim lying on the ground, already lifeless and soaked in her own blood. Initial investigation revealed that Guiapar sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the head, which caused her instantaneous death. Other reports indicated she may have suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the body.
Police Major Teofisto Ferrer Jr., Station 1 commander, confirmed the identity of the victim and said authorities are now conducting a thorough investigation to determine the motive behind the killing.
As of this writing, no suspect has been identified, and it remains unclear whether the victim was specifically targeted or caught in a broader act of violence.
The Philippine National Police continues to gather evidence and pursue leads as part of ongoing efforts to bring the perpetrator to justice.