By Sam Ramos
Authorities are intensifying their investigation into the fatal shooting of Jose Osorio, a vice mayoral aspirant in Tantangan, South Cotabato, who was gunned down early Monday morning.
Major Erika Vallejo, chief of the Tantangan Municipal Police, stated that law enforcement is working to identify the attackers and determine the motive behind the killing.
Osorio, 58, was discovered lifeless and bloodied inside his family’s roadside eatery in Barangay Bukay Pait shortly after gunshots were heard around 5:50 a.m. Police officers recovered six spent shells at the crime scene.
A respected leader in his community, Osorio had served three consecutive terms as the chief of Barangay Bukay Pait. He was running for vice mayor in the 2025 elections under the slate of former Tantangan mayor Benjamin Figueroa.
Relatives expressed shock over the incident, describing Osorio as a well-regarded figure with no known enemies.
The local police are appealing to witnesses or individuals with information to come forward as they expedite efforts to bring justice to the slain aspirant.