Cop on stake out, gunned down in Cotabato province

KIDAPAWAN CITY – A policeman was killed while reportedly monitoring illegal drug activities in Pikit, Cotabato province, on Tuesday.

Superintendent Bernard Tayong, North Cotabato police spokesperson, said PO2 Anwar Batingkay of the Pikit police was in Sitio Lamak in Barangay Poblacion when slain.

“PO2 Batingkay was alone and was doing his job in the area, which is believed to be a haven of drug traffickers,” Tayong said.

A witness reportedly said that a former policeman, identified as Misuari Mangansakan, approached Batingkay and shot him before fleeing on a pickup.

Tayong said a manhunt had been launched against Mangansakan.