MATALAM, COTABATO – A 13-year-old boy was killed after being shot by an unidentified gunman in Barangay Marbel, Matalam, Cotabato on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, in an incident that has shocked residents and triggered a police investigation.
Initial reports from authorities stated that the minor sustained fatal gunshot wounds after being attacked by still-unidentified suspect/s who immediately fled the scene after the shooting.
Personnel from the Matalam Municipal Police Station (Matalam PNP) quickly responded to the incident site to secure the area, document evidence, and begin efforts to determine the circumstances surrounding the killing. Investigators are currently working to establish the motive behind the attack as well as identify and locate the suspect responsible.
As of this writing, police have yet to determine whether the victim was specifically targeted or caught in an isolated act of violence, as the investigation remains ongoing.
The brutal killing of a minor has sparked fear and concern among residents of Barangay Marbel and nearby communities, with many expressing alarm over the apparent breach of safety in their area. Community members stressed that the victim’s age has deepened their grief and heightened calls for stronger security measures.
Family members of the victim are likewise demanding swift justice, urging authorities to act decisively in identifying and arresting the perpetrator. They called for immediate resolution of the case, emphasizing the need to hold the suspect accountable for the killing of a child.
Police authorities have appealed to the public for cooperation, urging anyone with relevant information about the incident or the suspect’s whereabouts to come forward and assist in the investigation. They assured that all information provided will be treated with confidentiality and used to expedite the resolution of the case.
The investigation is ongoing.