KABACAN, Cotabato — Police are hunting a man identified as Janjan Magbiray, who is allegedly a member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), in connection with the fatal shooting of brothers Bayan Maganaka and Ebrahim Maganaka in Kabacan, Cotabato.
The manhunt follows the killing of the two brothers in the early hours of October 21 during an overnight community gathering in Purok Liwliwa, Barangay Lower Paatan. The victims were identified as Bayan Patacpan Maganaka, a barangay councilor, and his brother, Ebrahim Patacpan Maganaka, who served as the barangay bookkeeper and cashier.
Relatives of the victims said they had formally filed a complaint against Magbiray and were seeking justice through the legal system. They called on authorities to ensure that the suspect is located, arrested, and held accountable in accordance with the law.
The family also appealed to the Philippine National Police (PNP) and AFP leadership to coordinate their efforts to expedite the suspect’s arrest.
They urged anyone with information that could help establish Magbiray’s whereabouts to immediately report it to the nearest police station.
The brothers were reportedly attending a community celebration when the shooting occurred. A 17-year-old companion was also seriously wounded in the attack, according to initial reports.
The killings prompted a police and military pursuit operation and drew condemnation from local officials. The circumstances leading to the shooting, including the reported possibility of an argument before the attack, require further verification as investigators work to establish the sequence of events and determine the motive.
The suspect’s alleged military affiliation has also placed attention on the need for coordination between civilian law enforcement and military authorities in locating him.
As the investigation continues, the victims’ family is seeking accountability through formal legal channels. Authorities must establish the facts surrounding the killings and ensure that any person found responsible is dealt with in accordance with due process.
Magbiray’s guilt has not been established in court, and the allegations against him remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.