Newly designated PNP chief Lt. Gen. Camilo Cascolan. INQUIRER.net file photo
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police will launch an investigation into reports tagging police officers in the killing of nine individuals in Kabacan, North Cotabato last Saturday, Aug. 29.
“Yes, if that would be the case, we will investigate that. We will come up with an investigating team [that] will look into that matter,” incoming PNP chief Lt. Gen. Camilo Cascolan said over CNN Philippines’ “The Source” when sought for his reaction about a news report that police officers were behind the Kabacan massacre.
Kabacan Municipal police’s report showed that the nine victims were standing on the side of the road when unidentified armed assailants onboard a motorcycle opened fire at them on Saturday afternoon.
The eight victims were killed on the spot while the ninth victim succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment at the hospital.
The unarmed victims were identified as Kors Salilangan, Sandigan Zailon, Benladin Dimanalao, Romeo Balatamay, Katindig Kagayawon, and Fahad Mandigan, all residents of Kabacan town; Budsal Lipusan of Datu Odin Sinsuat town in Maguindanao; and Musaid Jaiden of Midsayap town in Cotabato province.