By Sam Ramos
Authorities are pursuing two suspects involved in the fatal shooting of a police intelligence officer in the parking area of City Mall of Cotabato on Sunday evening.
The victim, identified as Master Sgt. John Manuel Bongcawil, was assigned to the Police Regional Office in Parang, Maguindanao del Norte. According to Lt. Col. Jopy Ventura, spokesperson for the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), the incident occurred around 7 p.m. while Bongcawil was with his family.
Initial investigations indicate that two armed men approached and opened fire on Bongcawil before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle. The officer sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the head and body, while his family members were unharmed.
Concerned citizens transported Bongcawil to a nearby hospital, but he was declared dead on arrival. Authorities are working to determine whether the attack was related to Bongcawil’s work as a police intelligence officer.
Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz, director of PRO-BAR, has directed the Cotabato City Police Office to prioritize the case and ensure justice for the slain officer. Police are continuing their investigation and have intensified efforts to apprehend the suspects.