Kidapawan bishop appeals for impartial inquiry into the deaths of nine persons
MANILA – With police authorities investigating the bloody incident last Saturday which resulted into the death of nine persons in Kabacan, Cotabato, they still have to establish the motive and the identities of those responsible.
Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin M. Bagaforo said the victims were all Muslims aboard separate motorcycles at midday Saturday, August 29.
“As Bishop of Kidapawan, I joined the call of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government for an impartial investigation of this atrocity,” he said in a message sent to this writer.
He added he appeals to government leaders to exert all efforts for justice to prevail.
“How I wish government authorities will apply all possible ways and means to avert more violent incidents and protect the people as we ask for prayers,” he further said.
PNP Spokesperson Brig. General Bernard M. Banac cited initial reports from Police Regional Office No. 12 said seven of the victims were farmers, identified as Kons Kalilangan, 35 years old, Saganding Sailon, 30 years old, Benladin Dimanalao, 25 years old, Jaiden Musaid, 25 years old, Katindig Kagawayon, 25 years old, Fahad Mandigan, 30 years and Budsal Jakaria Lipusin, 37 years old. One Romeo Balatamay, 35 years old was said to be a driver and one Tong Guiaman, 30 years old were among the casualties.
General Banac said the still unidentified and armed with assorted firearms stopped the victims who were on board their motorcycles at the Provincial Road at Barangay Poblacion in Kabacan town. As they stopped, they were shot for still unknown reasons. Eight of the victims died on the spot while Guiaman who was rushed to Kabacan Medical Specialist Center died of 4:10 P.M. of the same day.
The police recovered 32 used cartridge cases of M-16 rifle, caliber .45 pistols, two fired cartridge cases of Carbine rifle and one live ammunition for M-16.
General Banac said the case is still under investigation. (Melo M. Acuña)
Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin M. Bagaforo. (cbcponline.net photo)
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