Cotabato City — Mayor Mohammad Ali “Bruce” Matabalao issued a strongly worded statement on Tuesday dismissing as “baseless and misleading” the allegations made by Mr. Bimbo Ayunan Pasawiran during a press conference regarding recent shooting incidents and the city’s governance.
Matabalao countered Pasawiran’s assertions point by point, emphasizing that authorities immediately acted following the fatal shooting on Jose Lim Street, Barangay Poblacion 5, on September 15, which killed two individuals and injured three others, including minors.
“The City PNP and SOCO immediately responded because it is their mandate to secure the area, assist the victims, and begin the investigation. The Quick Response Team was also present,” the mayor said, stressing that governance is about “saving lives and pursuing justice,” not social media theatrics.
Pasawiran had earlier alleged that the local government failed to act after the incident and on other security concerns. He further accused the city of neglect, political targeting of his family, and lack of development in Cotabato.
Matabalao rejected these claims as reckless and unsubstantiated. He pointed out that he had ordered the Cotabato City Police under Col. Jibin Bongcayao to conduct a full investigation and had personally offered a reward for information to expedite the case. “The true measure of leadership is seen in actions, not empty words. In Cotabato City, we live by the principle that Aksyon ang Solusyon,” he said.
The mayor also denounced Pasawiran’s claim of clan ownership over Kalanganan, saying: “No family owns a barangay. No clan owns a city. Barangays belong to their residents. Cotabato City belongs to all Cotabateños.”
On Pasawiran’s accusation that “outsiders” were brought into the city to target his family, Matabalao challenged him to present evidence. “Justice is not achieved through wild accusations but through proof and due process. If there are names, bring them to the authorities. Otherwise, stop spreading fear and confusion,” he added.
The mayor highlighted Cotabato City’s ongoing progress in infrastructure, health services, education, livelihood programs, and peace and order initiatives, saying that the city’s development is “undeniable and real.”
Meanwhile, the Cotabato City Police Office (CCPO) condemned the shooting incident that left Michael Pusaka and payong-payong driver Komini B. Kuasain dead, and injured Barangay Chairwoman Pahima Pusaka and her two children. Investigators are exploring a possible personal grudge as motive, with a person of interest identified and CCTV footage under review.
Col. Bongcayao assured the public of relentless pursuit of justice. “This brutal act is not only a crime against individuals—it is a direct threat to the peace and security of our city,” he said.
Mayor Matabalao called on the community to stand united in rejecting violence and divisive narratives. “Our duty is service, governance, and development—nothing more, nothing less. Justice cannot be served by anger or false claims but only by truth, proof, and due process,” he stressed.
Authorities urged the public to report any information relevant to the case through CCPO hotlines, assuring confidentiality and protection for informants.