COTABATO CITY — A fresh shooting incident on Sunday morning, July 12, left three people wounded—including a police officer and a child—marking the third reported gun attack in Cotabato City within just a matter of days and intensifying concerns over public safety despite heightened security measures.
The latest attack occurred along Jose Lim Street, where unidentified gunmen opened fire on the victims before fleeing the scene.
Authorities identified the injured as Police Corporal (PCpl) Kauring, civilian Basir Gapor, and a child, all of whom were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. As of this writing, authorities have yet to release updates on their medical conditions.
Personnel of the Cotabato City Police Office (CCPO) immediately launched a hot pursuit operation to track down and arrest the perpetrators, who escaped shortly after the shooting. Investigators are also conducting a thorough investigation to establish the motive behind the attack and determine whether the victims were specifically targeted or were caught in the gunfire.
The incident has heightened alarm among residents as it came barely a day after two separate shooting incidents were recorded in different parts of Cotabato City on Saturday, July 11.
Police are now examining whether the three shooting incidents are connected, including the possibility that they were carried out by the same armed group or linked to an ongoing conflict or criminal activity operating in the city.
The latest attack is particularly disturbing because it involved a law enforcement officer and an innocent child, raising fears that violence is no longer confined to criminal targets but is increasingly putting ordinary civilians at risk.
The string of shootings has prompted questions about the effectiveness of existing security measures, especially as authorities had already intensified police visibility following the earlier attacks.
Local security forces are expected to further strengthen checkpoint operations, mobile patrols, and police deployment across strategic areas in an effort to deter further violence and reassure the public.
Authorities have appealed to witnesses and anyone with information about the identities or whereabouts of the suspects to immediately coordinate with the Cotabato City Police Office.
While investigators continue gathering evidence, residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious persons or activities as police work to prevent another outbreak of violence.
The series of shooting incidents has once again underscored the persistent challenge of maintaining peace and order in Cotabato City, with many residents now calling for stronger law enforcement action to restore public confidence and ensure that those responsible are swiftly brought to justice.