Security beefed up in NoCot town due to rash of killings

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 12, 2021): Security beefed up in NoCot town due to rash of killings (By Edwin Fernandez)

SENSELESS KILLINGS. Policemen load the bodies of the three tricycle drivers shot one after the other on Monday (Oct. 11) at a local tricycle terminal in Midsayap, North Cotabato. On the same day, two construction workers were also killed along the Malingao-Mingugen road in the area. (Photo courtesy of Bandera Midsayap News)

MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato – Additional police forces were deployed here Tuesday following two shootings that killed five persons a day earlier.

Lt. Col. Rolly Oranza, Midsayap police chief, said strict security measures are in place following the deaths of three tricycle drivers, and two construction workers in separate shootings on Monday.

“We are currently imposing uncompromising security measures to deter similar incidents of senseless killings and further ensure public safety amid the pandemic," the police official told reporters.

On Monday, tricycle drivers Nasrudin Mantikayan, 25; Ryan Litoc Bano, 20; and Taha Alimudin Dukay, 58; were shot dead by still unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen at the local tricycle terminal in Barangay Poblacion 2 at 10 a.m.

“Both friends and relatives claimed that the three victims have no known enemies,” Oranza said.

Aside from Mantikayan who is from this town, Bano and Dukay are both of Datu Piang, Maguindanao.

Initial investigation showed that the victims were at the terminal when one of the gunmen onboard a motorbike and fired at the three using a .45-caliber pistol.

“The three were declared dead on the spot,” Oranza said, adding that the gunmen fled the scene after the incident.

“We have yet to determine the motive behind the killing as the three have no criminal records whatsoever with us here and in Datu Piang town,” Oranza added.

Also on Monday, gunmen shot dead two construction workers at dawn along the Malingao -Mingugen road.

Oranza identified the fatalities as Joji Balaod Catulong, 36, of Barangay San Isidro; and Nelmar Cain Robelo, 32, of Barangay Bual Norte.

Oranza said villagers heard shots and later found the bodies of the victims on the road.

“We also have yet still to determine the motive behind the killing of the construction workers,” he said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1156349