COTABATO CITY, Philippines — A brutal pre-dawn ambush left two men dead and three women wounded after unidentified gunmen unleashed a barrage of gunfire on two motorcycles traveling through San Pablo, Barangay Rosary Heights 11, Cotabato City, at around 3:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 11.
The attack, which shattered the early morning calm of the neighborhood, is now under intense investigation as authorities pursue three suspects while exploring possible motives that include a personal grudge, a love triangle, and illegal drugs.
Police identified the fatalities as Ibrahim Miya, 40, a resident of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, and Aldren Karisio Keda, 40, of Esteros, Mother Tamontaka, Cotabato City. Both victims were riding a black Yamaha NMAX motorcycle when they were ambushed.
The injured were identified as Johaira Mohammad, 30; Leisith Tan, 25, of Tamontaka, Cotabato City; and Clarizze Tubilan, 25, of Barangay Rosary Heights 6. Clarizze was reportedly driving the Honda Click motorcycle carrying the three women, which was traveling behind the victims’ motorcycle.
Sudden Burst of Gunfire
Based on the initial police investigation, the two motorcycles were traveling one after the other after reportedly leaving a wake in the area when armed assailants suddenly intercepted them along a dimly lit stretch of road in San Pablo.
The gunmen allegedly opened fire using an M16 assault rifle and a 9mm pistol, riddling both motorcycles with bullets before fleeing the scene.
The two male victims sustained fatal gunshot wounds to the head and were declared dead on arrival at the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center (CRMC).
The three women, who were also caught in the hail of bullets, survived the attack and were rushed to the same hospital for emergency treatment. They remain under medical observation.
Victims Believed to Be Primary Targets
Cotabato City Police Office Director Col. Jibin Bongcayao said initial findings strongly indicate that Miya and Keda were the intended targets, while the women were likely struck after being caught in the attack.
Investigators are now looking into information suggesting that the victims may have had existing personal conflicts.
According to acquaintances of the slain men, both reportedly had known adversaries, strengthening investigators’ belief that the killings may have stemmed from a personal dispute.
Police are likewise examining reports linking the case to a possible love triangle and illegal drug activities, although authorities emphasized that these remain investigative angles and have yet to be conclusively established.
Massive Volume of Gunfire
Crime scene investigators recovered a significant amount of ballistic evidence, indicating the intensity of the attack.
The Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) recovered:
- 68 spent shell casings and one deformed bullet believed to have been fired from an M16 rifle;
- Eight spent shell casings and two deformed bullets believed to have come from a 9mm pistol.
All recovered evidence will undergo forensic and ballistic examination to help identify the firearms used and connect them to possible suspects.
Three Suspects Identified
Authorities have identified three persons of interest, including individuals known only by the aliases “Toh” and “Mopasser,” along with another unidentified male suspect.
Immediately after the shooting, operatives from Cotabato City Police Station 2, under the supervision of Police Major Tugaya Z. Alfonso, launched a hot pursuit operation. However, as of this writing, no arrests have been made.
Investigators are also reviewing CCTV footage from nearby homes and establishments to determine the identities and escape route of the attackers.
Security Tightened Across Cotabato City
Following the deadly ambush, the Cotabato City Police Office (CCPO) ordered the immediate strengthening of checkpoints and border control operations across the city to prevent the suspects from escaping and to deter possible retaliatory attacks.
Police have urged anyone with information that could aid the investigation to coordinate with the nearest police station.
Authorities assured the public that operations to identify, locate, and arrest those responsible are continuing as investigators work to establish the full motive behind one of the city’s deadliest shooting incidents in recent months.