By Sam Ramos
A PhP1 million reward has been offered for information leading to the identification and arrest of those responsible for the murder of Jose Osorio, a vice mayoral aspirant in Tantangan, South Cotabato.
The reward was announced by South Cotabato 2nd District Representative Peter Miguel on Monday, as authorities continue their investigation into Osorio’s killing.
On November 17, Osorio, a former barangay chairperson and candidate for vice mayor in the upcoming elections, was found dead early the next morning in a pool of blood at his family-owned roadside eatery in Barangay Bukay Pait.
In response to the murder, the South Cotabato Police formed a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) on Tuesday to expedite the investigation. The task force, led by Col. Samuel Cadungon, South Cotabato police director, will focus on identifying both the perpetrators and the mastermind behind the killing.
According to authorities, Osorio had no known enemies, and his relatives stated that he had not received any threats prior to his death. Police are exploring several possible motives, including personal grievances or election-related factors.
Cadungon added that Osorio’s wife and their house help did not hear any gunfire around 10 p.m., the time the killing is believed to have occurred.
Osorio, 58, was running for vice mayor alongside former Mayor Benjamin Figueroa in the 2025 elections. He had previously served three terms as chairperson of Barangay Bukay Pait.