8 die in armed skirmish in North Cotabato
A shooting victim is sprawled on the road in Kabacan town of Cotabato province. Photo courtesy of Radio DXND-AM in Kidapawan City
COTABATO CITY—At least eight persons were killed in a shooting in Kabacan town of Cotabato province Saturday, police said.
Major Peter Pinalgan jr, Kabacan town police chief, said the incident happened at around 12:30 p.m.
The victims, all males, were standing on the side of the Aringgay Road near University of Southern Mindanao compound when gunmen on a motorbike drove by and opened fire.
Lt. Ernie John Saratao, Kabacan deputy police chief for operations, identified the fatalities 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.
Another victim was critically injured and is now confined in a hospital.
Citing witnesses, Saratao said one of the victims managed to return fire but was overpowered.
Police are looking at the possibility the shooting was triggered by a rido or family feud.
