CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao–One person was killed while three village officials were critically injured in a drive-by shooting early Monday in the town of Pikit, North Cotabato, the police said.
Supt. Bernard Tayong, North Cotabato Police Provincial Office spokesperson, said Ranulfo Bautista succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds. Bautista was rushed but failed to reach the hospital alive.
Injured were Bautista’s father identified as Santos (Bautista), the Barangay Takepan chairperson, and Takepan village councilors Roberto Midsapak and Robin Salvador.
The three village officials, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds, are under the close watch of policemen while undergoing treatment.
Tayong said the victims were aboard a Kia Bongo light truck driven by the elder Bautista when gunmen aboard a speeding motorcycle shot them with high-powered guns around 10:30 a.m. Monday.
Tayong said the victims were on the way home after attending a mass oath-taking ceremony of elected barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan at the gymnasium of Pikit town.
Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, newly-installed Army’s 6th Infantry Division chief, said they are assisting the police in tracking down the suspects. (PNA)
