Three killed, two wounded after gunmen posing as buyers open fire in Cotabato City

• Three people, including a 53-year-old businesswoman, died after being shot in Barangay Kalanganan 2, Cotabato City
• Two other victims were wounded and are currently receiving medical treatment
• Police said five men arrived in a pickup truck, with three of them allegedly opening fire on the victims
• Investigators are looking into a possible family feud, a business-related dispute, and extortion as potential motives

Three people were killed and two others injured after five armed men allegedly ambushed them during what was supposed to be a business transaction in Cotabato City on Friday morning, October 25.

The incident took place in Barangay Kalanganan 2, where the victims had reportedly arranged to meet individuals who expressed interest in purchasing their products. Among those who died was a 53-year-old businesswoman. The three victims were rushed to a hospital but were pronounced dead upon arrival due to their gunshot wounds. Meanwhile, the two surviving victims are still undergoing treatment.

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According to a report by GMA Regional TV One Mindanao, police investigators learned that the victims went to the location after arranging a meeting with their supposed buyers. The individuals they encountered were five men riding in a pickup truck.

However, what appeared to be an ordinary commercial transaction quickly turned into a deadly shooting. Three of the five men allegedly pulled out firearms and fired at the victims before fleeing the area.

Authorities are now examining several possible explanations for the attack, including a longstanding conflict between families, a business-related disagreement, and extortion.

Police Lieutenant Leslie Quinol, spokesperson for the Cotabato City Police, discussed the possible motives being considered by investigators.

“Sa ngayon, kabilang sa anggulong tinitingnan naming at sinusuri ang posibleng matagal na alitan ng mga pamilya. Pero gayunpaman, posibleng business related (at) extortion din. However, these are still subject for investigation,” Quinol said.

Despite these initial leads, authorities have yet to establish what prompted the suspects to target the victims. Investigators are continuing to gather evidence and establish the circumstances surrounding the meeting that led to the shooting.

Police personnel are also pursuing the five individuals believed to be involved in the attack. Their identities and whereabouts have yet to be disclosed as the investigation remains ongoing.

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In another report, authorities in Rodriguez, Rizal, recovered a man's body concealed inside a discarded mattress found in a deep ravine on Saturday afternoon. A village patrolman searching for recyclable materials discovered the disturbing scene after noticing a pair of feet sticking out of the bedding. The victim had a deep cut on his neck, his wrists were bound together, and his face was covered with adhesive tape. Police are investigating the case to identify the victim and locate those responsible for his death.

Meanwhile, a 35-year-old motorcycle shop owner was shot dead outside his establishment in Barangay Longos, Caloocan City, shortly before 11 p.m. on Monday. Residents reportedly heard two gunshots moments before responding police officers arrived and found the businessman lifeless with a gunshot wound to the head. His family members said they had no idea what could have motivated the attack. Investigators are currently checking nearby security camera footage for possible leads that could help identify and locate the gunmen, although the police have yet to release an official report on the incident.

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Source: KAMI.com.gh