Photo by Reynan Doce/ PNA
Police increased security measures in Cotabato City following three separate shooting incidents over the weekend that killed four people and injured six others.
City police director Col. Jibin Bongcayao said authorities had intensified patrols, established additional checkpoints, and conducted intelligence-led operations to identify and arrest those responsible for the attacks.
The incidents occurred from Friday night to Sunday morning, with one of the injured victims being an off-duty police officer assigned to Maguindanao del Norte who was hit by a stray bullet. He was reported to be in stable condition.
Mayor Bruce Matabalao said the city government was supporting law enforcement efforts by directing authorities to increase police visibility, strengthen intelligence gathering, and pursue the suspects.
Bongcayao said initial information showed that those involved in the shootings were residents of neighboring areas in Maguindanao del Norte and not from Cotabato City.
Police were looking into the possibility that the attacks were linked to a rido, or a longstanding family conflict, that had extended into the city.
Authorities urged residents to coordinate with police and provide information that could help in the identification and arrest of the suspects.
Police said security operations would continue as authorities worked to prevent further violence and maintain peace in the city.