MIDSAYAP, Cotabato — A Traffic Management Unit (TMU) personnel of the Midsayap local government was critically wounded after being shot in the head by an unidentified gunman in a brazen daylight attack in front of a bakery in Barangay Poblacion 1 on Tuesday morning, August 4, prompting an intensified police manhunt and widespread condemnation from local officials.
The victim was identified as Jerry Lajot, 44, married, and a resident of Barangay Kiwanan, Midsayap, who serves as a traffic enforcer under the Traffic Management Unit (TMU) of the Municipal Government of Midsayap.
The shooting occurred shortly after 10:00 a.m. along Provincial Road, directly in front of the newly opened Connie’s Bakeshop and near the Barangay Hall of Poblacion 1.
According to the initial police investigation and witnesses at the scene, TMU personnel had just concluded a traffic enforcement operation in the area, during which several motorcycles were apprehended for traffic violations and prepared for transport to the municipal impoundment area.
Lajot reportedly stayed behind to guard the remaining impounded motorcycles while his fellow enforcers transported the seized vehicles. Moments later, two unidentified men arrived on a motorcycle.
Witnesses said the back rider calmly dismounted, approached the unsuspecting traffic enforcer, and suddenly opened fire at close range. Lajot sustained a gunshot wound to the head and immediately collapsed.
After carrying out the attack, the gunman quickly fled by boarding the waiting motorcycle driven by his accomplice. The suspects escaped before responding authorities arrived.
Emergency responders immediately rushed the wounded traffic enforcer to a hospital in Midsayap, where he underwent emergency surgery. As of the latest reports, he remains under intensive medical care.
Police investigators have yet to establish the motive behind the attack. Authorities are now reviewing closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from nearby establishments and gathering statements from witnesses in an effort to identify the gunmen and determine the circumstances leading to the shooting.
The Midsayap Municipal Police Station immediately launched a hot pursuit operation in an attempt to track down the fleeing suspects.
Meanwhile, Midsayap Mayor Rolly Sacdalan strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a senseless act of violence against a public servant who was simply carrying out his duties in enforcing traffic laws.
The mayor called for a thorough and impartial investigation and urged law enforcement agencies to swiftly identify, arrest, and prosecute those responsible for the attack.
The shooting has raised renewed concerns over the safety of frontline government personnel tasked with enforcing local laws, particularly traffic enforcers who regularly conduct roadside operations and are exposed to potential threats while performing their duties.
Authorities continue to appeal to the public for any information that could help identify the suspects and expedite the investigation.