COTABATO CITY — A barangay tanod was killed while another man was wounded after heavily armed assailants opened fire on their house in Purok Bunsain, Barangay Kalanganan II, Cotabato City, early Tuesday morning, May 26.
Authorities identified the fatality only through the alias “Ali,” 41 years old, a barangay tanod and resident of the area. Another victim, identified as alias “Ola,” sustained gunshot wounds and is currently undergoing treatment at a hospital.
According to the initial investigation conducted by the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Cotabato City Police Office, the victims were reportedly asleep inside their house when around eight armed men suddenly sprayed the residence with bullets in a surprise attack.
Despite the intense gunfire, one of the victims reportedly managed to return fire during the assault, resulting in a brief exchange of gunshots. Investigators believe that at least one of the attackers may have been hit during the encounter.
Following the shooting, the suspects immediately fled toward the remote portions of Barangay Kalanganan II, triggering a large-scale pursuit operation by local authorities.
Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) recovered several spent shell casings from different high-powered firearms at the crime scene, including those from M16 rifles with 5.56 caliber ammunition, M14 and AK-47 rifles using 7.62 caliber rounds, as well as a .45 caliber pistol.
Police said the volume of gunfire and the types of weapons used indicate that the attack was carefully planned and carried out by an organized armed group.
Authorities have already launched an extensive manhunt operation to identify and arrest the suspects involved in the deadly ambush.
As of this writing, investigators are still determining the motive behind the attack, while deeper investigation continues to establish whether the victims had received prior threats or if the incident was connected to any personal, political, or criminal conflict in the area.
The killing of a barangay tanod has raised concern among residents of the community, with authorities now intensifying security measures to prevent further violence while the search for the armed suspects continues.