3 traders killed in North Cotabato robbery

COTABATO CITY, Philippines—Unidentified men on Thursday shot to death three traders in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato in what police said was an apparent case of robbery.

Inspector Miguel Cabigas, Pigcawayan police chief, said Friday that Rolando Suarez, 32, Leo John Collado, 21, Miguel Eramis, 28, sustained gunshot wounds in various parts of their bodies.

The perpetrators were armed with M-16 rifles and .45-caliber pistol based on shells recovered from the scene of the crime in Barangay Simsiman, Cabigas said.

He said the robbery theory came out when it was ascertained that the victims, who lived in the town center, were traders of agricultural products and were carrying an undetermined amount of cash.

Their other valuables such as cell phones and watches were also missing, Cabigas said.

He said the gunmen could have been be after the victims’ possessions only but they might have put up a fight.

Pigcawayan Mayor Roberto Blase urged traders entering remote villages in the municipality to ask for police assistance, especially if they carry large amounts of cash with them.