Police seek surrender of soldier tagged in killing of Kabacan brothers

COTABATO CITY — Authorities in Kabacan, Cotabato, have called on a soldier to surrender after witnesses identified him as the gunman in the fatal shooting of two brothers who served as barangay officials.

The incident occurred before dawn on Wednesday, October 21, during an overnight community gathering in Purok Liwliwa, Barangay Lower Paatan.

Village councilor Bayan Patacpan Maganaka and his brother, Ibrahim Patacpan Maganaka, the barangay’s cashier and bookkeeper, were shot dead. A 17-year-old companion was seriously wounded.

According to the Kabacan Municipal Police Station, three witnesses positively identified the suspect as a member of the military. The police chief has urged him to give himself up and face the charges to be filed so the victims’ family can seek justice through proper legal channels. The investigation remains ongoing.

Family appeals for restraint

In a Facebook post addressed to relatives, a family member asked that no one post or share the face, name, or personal information of the person suspected in the killing while the investigation and any court proceedings continue.

The post warned that such actions could result in libel or cyberlibel complaints.

“This does not mean we are siding with the suspect or that we have stopped seeking justice for our loved ones,” the post said in Filipino. “We only want to protect every member of the family from possible legal complications while we allow the proper legal process to move forward.”

The family said relatives may still express grief, demand justice, and share verified information, but urged unity and restraint so that anger and pain do not create further problems.

Mayor condemns killing

Kabacan Mayor Evangeline Pascua-Guzman condemned the shooting and personally visited the bereaved family to offer condolences. She assured them of the municipal government’s support and said the investigation would be intensified.

Local officials and police continue to coordinate in pursuing those responsible.

The public is reminded that the case remains under investigation and that any identification of a suspect at this stage is based on witness accounts.