COTABATO CITY — A member of the Cotabato City Traffic Management Center (CCTMC) was shot dead by an unidentified gunman in a brazen attack on Tuesday afternoon, June 30, in Mother Barangay Rosary Heights, adding another victim to the string of violent incidents in the city.
The victim was identified as Bashte Masukat, popularly known as “Bashte Enforcer,” an active traffic enforcer of the Cotabato City Traffic Management Center and a local vlogger.
According to initial reports, the shooting occurred shortly after 5:00 p.m. along Pansacala Street, also identified in some reports as Don TV Juliano Street, in Mother Barangay Rosary Heights.
Witnesses said Masukat sustained multiple gunshot wounds after being attacked by an unidentified suspect. Responding emergency personnel immediately rushed him to the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center (CRMC) in an effort to save his life.
Despite doctors’ attempts to revive him, Masukat succumbed to his injuries at around 6:13 p.m., with medical personnel unable to overcome the severity of the gunshot wounds he sustained in different parts of his body.
The killing has sparked grief and condemnation among fellow public servants, residents, and supporters, who described Masukat as a dedicated traffic enforcer committed to maintaining order on Cotabato City’s streets. Aside from his government service, he was also known in the community as a social media content creator and vlogger under the name “Bashte Enforcer.”
Personnel of the Cotabato City Police Office immediately secured the crime scene and launched an investigation, gathering physical evidence and interviewing potential witnesses who may have seen the attack.
As of this writing, authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the killing. Police have also not released the identities of the gunman or whether multiple suspects were involved.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has initiated a hot pursuit operation to identify and arrest those responsible for the fatal shooting.
Investigators are likewise appealing to the public for information that could help solve the case. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to coordinate with the nearest police station or contact the Cotabato City Police.
The investigation remains ongoing.