COTABATO CITY — Authorities are intensifying their investigation into a late-night strafing incident that targeted the barangay hall of Tamontaka 4, sending shockwaves through the community but leaving no casualties.
According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), the attack occurred shortly before midnight on April 13, when unidentified armed men opened fire from a position approximately 150 meters behind the barangay hall. The gunfire prompted Barangay Chairman Thong Gayak to immediately seek assistance from Police Station 3.
Responding units, led by Police Station 3 Commander Police Captain Eduardo Malicdem, along with personnel from the Cotabato City Mobile Force Company and the Marine Battalion Landing Team 6, swiftly secured the area.
Initial investigation revealed that multiple gunshots were fired toward the barangay hall, striking its windows and rear wall. Despite the intensity of the attack, no individuals were reported injured or killed.
Residents of Barangay Tamontaka 4 were jolted awake by the sudden burst of gunfire, with many describing the incident as a deliberate act of harassment intended to instill fear in the community.
In a statement, Chairman Gayak said the attack occurred at around 11:45 p.m., when most residents were already resting. Witnesses claimed the suspects positioned themselves at the swampy area behind the barangay hall before launching the assault.
Police recovered at least 34 empty shell casings at the scene, believed to have been fired from an M16 rifle—indicating the use of high-powered firearms. However, authorities have yet to determine the exact number of suspects involved.
In a possibly related development, another burst of gunfire was reported at around 12:05 a.m. on April 14 in the same vicinity. Follow-up investigations confirmed additional bullet impacts on the structure, although no shell casings were recovered during this subsequent probe.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, but investigators are now focusing on a person of interest whose identity has not been disclosed pending verification. One of the angles being explored is a possible internal dispute within the barangay.
Chairman Gayak expressed concern over the brazen attack and urged residents to remain vigilant. He called on the community to immediately report any suspicious individuals or activities to authorities to prevent further violence.
The PNP assured the public that efforts are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible, as the investigation into the incident continues.