Cop shot dead in North Cotabato town

KABACAN, North Cotabato — Unidentified gunmen shot dead a police officer along the national highway in Sitio Malabuaya, Barangay Kayaga, Kabacan, North Cotabato at around 8:15 p.m. Sunday.

Responding members of the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) led by Police Chief Inspector Bernard Paray identified the victim as Senior Police Officer 4 Macatanong Lilangan, 53, a resident of Barangay Central Malamote, Matalam, North Cotabato.

Police investigators said Lilangan was aboard his multicab and heading towards Kabacan town when he was chased and shot by two gunmen on board a single motorcycle.

“The gunmen started shooting Lilangan with still unknown firearms when he was still in Barangay Bulit, Datu Montawal, Maguindanao, but he managed to evade the perpetrators until he reached the crime scene,” police said.

The victim lost control of the vehicle after he was hit and bumped into a house along the national highway.

Lilangan, who was assigned at the Davao City Police Office, sustained gunshot wounds in different parts of the body, whichcaused his death.

The suspects immediately fled towards Barangay Bulit, Datu Montawal, Maguindanao after the shooting incident.

Police said a hot pursuit operation against the perpetrators is now ongoing. /ee