KABACAN, COTABATO — What was supposed to be a joyful kanduli or thanksgiving celebration in Barangay Kayaga turned into a horrific tragedy after a 13-year-old boy, known only by the alias “Jongjong,” was gunned down inside the community on Saturday, November 15.
According to Kabacan Police Chief, Police Lieutenant Colonel April Lou Palma, investigators are looking at jealousy and personal grudge as the primary motive behind the fatal shooting. The suspect, a 29-year-old married tricycle driver, allegedly snapped after seeing the victim and the suspect’s partner come out together near a comfort room during the celebration.
“Nagdidilim ang paningin niya,” Lt. Col. Palma said in an interview, noting that the suspect immediately drew a firearm and shot the minor multiple times.
Initial reports indicate that the shooting happened at around 12:40 p.m. in Sitio Kibalis, Kayaga, right in the middle of the kanduli festivities. Witnesses said the suspect fled the scene after the attack.
A hot pursuit operation was launched by the Kabacan Municipal Police Station with the assistance of the Barangay Local Government Unit of Kayaga and elements of the 40th Infantry Battalion. The suspect was intercepted and arrested during a Lambat-Bitag Sasakyan operation after being flagged down by authorities.
He is now under police custody and has been charged with murder.
Lt. Col. Palma emphasized that while jealousy is the leading angle, investigators are still gathering additional evidence and testimonies to determine the full circumstances that led to the killing.
Authorities are expected to release further updates in the coming days as the probe continues.
The brutal killing of a minor in what should have been a peaceful and communal thanksgiving has alarmed residents and underscored growing concerns over gun-related violence in local communities.