1 killed, 5 others wounded in shooting incidents in North Cotabato

KIDAPAWAN CITY — A multi-cab driver was killed while three others, including a newly elected village chair, were wounded when unidentified men “riding in tandem” shot them in Barangay Batulawan in Pikit, North Cotabato on Monday.

Supt. Bernard Tayong, spokesperson of the North Cotabato police, identified the fatality as Ranulfo Bautista, a resident of Barangay Takepan, also in Pikit.

Barangay Takepan chair Santos Bautista, 62; and his two councilors – Roberto Midsapak, 51; and Robin Salvador – were wounded.

The four were reportedly on their way home from the town center after attending the mass oathtaking of elected village officials when attacked by the gunmen. Tayong said the police were still clueless on the motive and identities of the perpetrators.

Meanwhile, in Pagadian City, re-elected barangay chair Gina Gemina Altobar of Pedolunan and her sister, Janeth Gemina Laporteza, were wounded after a family argument turned violent.

Altobar reportedly shot her sister on Sunday at around 9 p.m. at the height of a confrontation, according to Supt. Alvin Saguban, Pagadian City police chief.

Altobar disappeared after the incident but called for help at around 3 a.m. on Monday after sustaining two gunshot wounds.Saguban said Altobar blamed Domingo Laporteza, her sister’s husband, for her injuries.

Both siblings are now recuperating in different hospitals in Pagadian City.

Janeth Laporteza had already filed charges against her sister for frustrated murder. Altobar said she will file charges against Domingo. /ee