M'LANG, North Cotabato - Authorities are pursuing a village chief and his companions involved in a shooting incident that left one person dead and another wounded early Sunday. Lt. Juaren Caang, spokesperson of the North Cotabato Police Provincial Office, identified the prime suspect as Evan Roy Macantan, village chair of Bagontapay. One of his companions, Jomer Nietes, 35, was arrested and was confined at a hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound. Caang said the shooting occurred after Macantan organized a live band concert, which he halted following a disturbance by an unidentified man. Macantan and his group confronted two civilians-later identified as Army intelligence operatives-who arrived at the venue and were suspected to be linked to the troublemaker, the police official said. Macantan's group allegedly chased and opened fire on the two, resulting in the death of bystander Romnic Villarom Reyes, 28, and the wounding of Rosinda Jordan Macailing, 35, both residents of Bagontapay. Nietes was also injured during the shooting, while Macantan and other suspects fled. Police recovered seven .45-caliber shells, four 9mm cartridges, and three dud bullets at the scene. Authorities are preparing charges against Macantan, Nietes, and other suspects still at large. Source: Philippines News agency
Tuesday, October 22, 2024