COTABATO CITY — Authorities found no physical evidence to support reports of alleged gunfire that sparked alarm near the Cotabato City Plaza on Monday morning, July 6, prompting the Cotabato City Police Office (CCPO) to urge the public against spreading unverified information.
The reported incident occurred in Poblacion 5, near the City Plaza, where a peace rally was being held at the time. Initial reports circulating on social media claimed that successive gunshots had been heard in the area, raising fears among residents and participants of the gathering.
Security forces immediately responded to the scene to assess the situation and ensure public safety.
Personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) conducted a thorough inspection of the area, secured the vicinity, and launched an initial investigation.
However, after an extensive verification, authorities reported that they found no empty shell casings, bullet fragments, bullet impact marks, or any other physical evidence indicating that a firearm had been discharged.
“The responding personnel found no physical evidence to support the report of gunfire,” the CCPO said in an official statement.
Police said no injuries or fatalities were recorded in connection with the reported incident.
Despite the absence of evidence, investigators continue to determine what triggered the reports and are gathering additional information, including reviewing available closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from nearby establishments to establish exactly what transpired.
The CCPO stressed that the investigation remains ongoing and that authorities are committed to uncovering the facts behind the incident.
No Link to Peace Rally
Amid speculation circulating online, the CCPO categorically clarified that the reported incident has no verified connection to the peace rally held at the Cotabato City Plaza.
“There is no verified information or evidence linking the reported incident to the said activity,” the police said, urging the public to avoid making assumptions or drawing conclusions without factual basis.
Authorities emphasized that security measures remained in place throughout the activity to ensure the safety of rally participants and the general public.
Public Warned Against Spreading Unverified Reports
The police also appealed to residents and social media users to exercise caution before sharing information online.
According to the CCPO, the rapid spread of false, misleading, or unverified reports can unnecessarily create fear, panic, and confusion within the community.
The office encouraged the public to rely only on official statements issued by law enforcement agencies while the investigation continues.
“The Cotabato City Police Office remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of the public and assures everyone that all appropriate investigative and security measures are continuously being undertaken,” the statement added.
Authorities said they will release additional information should new evidence emerge from the ongoing investigation.