KABACAN, Cotabato — Two brothers serving as barangay officials were killed in a shooting attack during an overnight community gathering in Purok Liwliwa, Barangay Lower Paatan, Kabacan, Cotabato, before dawn on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. A 17-year-old companion was seriously wounded.
The fatalities were identified as Bayan Patacpan Maganaka, a barangay councilor of Lower Paatan, and his brother, Ibrahim Patacpan Maganaka, who served as the barangay’s bookkeeper and cashier. Both reportedly died at the scene from gunshot wounds.
The attack prompted condemnation from the municipal government, a police and military pursuit operation, and the temporary suspension of classes at Lower Paatan Elementary School as a precautionary measure.
Shooting during overnight gathering
According to preliminary reports, the Kabacan Municipal Police Station’s alert team received information about the shooting at around 1:45 a.m. on Wednesday.
The two brothers and their 17-year-old companion were reportedly attending an overnight community celebration in Purok Liwliwa when armed men suddenly opened fire on them.
Initial accounts also indicated that an argument may have occurred before the shooting between Bayan, who was reportedly serving as a facilitator at a disco event, and an unidentified individual. However, authorities have yet to establish whether the reported disagreement was connected to the attack.
The gunmen allegedly fled immediately after the shooting, leaving the two brothers dead and their young companion seriously injured.
Investigators continued to verify the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the sequence of events leading to the attack, the identities of the suspects, and their possible motive.
As of the latest available information, no suspect had been publicly identified, and the motive remained undetermined.
Police, military launch pursuit operation
Police investigators, in coordination with barangay officials, moved to establish the facts surrounding the killings and identify those responsible.
Police personnel and soldiers from an Army unit deployed in Kabacan also launched a joint pursuit operation to track down the fleeing suspects.
Authorities have yet to release further verified details regarding the number of gunmen involved, the weapons used beyond initial reports of pistols, or whether the victims had received any prior threats.
The investigation is expected to determine whether the reported altercation played a role in the attack or whether other circumstances may have led to the killings.
Mayor condemns killings, calls for justice
Kabacan Mayor Evangeline Pascua-Guzman strongly condemned the killing of the two brothers, describing the incident as a tragedy for their family and the community they served.
In an official statement, Guzman said she had coordinated with the Kabacan Municipal Police Station to ensure a thorough investigation and the identification of those responsible.
“As the Mother of the Municipality, I stand with the call for justice for Lower Paatan Barangay Councilor Bayan Patacpan Maganaka and Barangay Bookkeeper Ibrahim Patacpan Maganaka,” the mayor said.
She also paid tribute to the siblings, noting that they had long worked with the local government in implementing development and peace initiatives in the municipality.
Guzman urged residents and community groups to remain calm while law enforcement authorities pursue the investigation and work to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The mayor also visited the bereaved family, accompanied by local officials and representatives of various community groups who expressed their condolences and support.
Among those who extended support were Association of Barangay Councils President Abduladzis L. Macalipat, Haron Balayanan, Abdulmanap Pedtamanan of the Municipal Muslim Affairs Office, local elders, commanders, and other officials.
Guzman emphasized that Muslims, Christians, and Indigenous Peoples in Kabacan have long maintained cooperation and mutual respect, expressing confidence that their unity would continue despite the tragedy.
Classes suspended as precaution
Following the attack, Lower Paatan Punong Barangay Abdulracid Dima ordered the temporary suspension of classes at Lower Paatan Elementary School, effective Wednesday.
The measure was intended to protect learners, teachers, and school personnel while authorities assessed the security situation in the area.
In his memorandum, Dima said classes would resume once the authorities had evaluated the situation and could reasonably assure the safety of the school community.
He also appealed to residents to remain vigilant, avoid the affected area, and follow instructions from local authorities.
Investigation continues
The killing of the two barangay officials has raised concerns over the safety of local public servants and residents attending community gatherings.
Authorities have yet to establish the motive behind the shooting or determine the full circumstances surrounding the attack. The identities and whereabouts of the suspects also remain unknown based on the latest available information.
Investigators are expected to pursue leads and gather evidence to establish accountability.
The 17-year-old survivor’s condition has not been further detailed in the available reports.
For now, local officials have called for calm and cooperation as police and military personnel continue efforts to locate the suspects and determine what led to the fatal attack.