Cotabato City chief security officer killed

From the Mindanao Examiner (Mar 20, 2022): Cotabato City chief security officer killed

COTABATO – Unidentified gunmen shot dead Cotabato City’s chief public officer and wounded his police escort in a dating attack Friday morning.

The assailants escaped after shooting Rolen Balquin, the city’s former police chief; and his escort, Chief Master Sergeant Ariel Gutang. Balquin was supposed to inspect commercial establishments in the area to see if they follow public health protocols. He was shot while about to step out of his car.

Police investigators recovered bullet shells fired from a .45-caliber pistol.

Mayor Frances Cynthia Sayadi condemned the killing and ordered police to find the killers. “I condemn, to the highest degree of condemnation, the shooting and killing of our City Public Officer Retired Colonel Rolen Balquin,” she said.

“Sa totoo lang, I am writing this message with anger sa mga taong may gawa nito sa kanya. He was a good friend and a dependable colleague. Kaya sa mga taong may gawa nito sa kanya, sisiguruhin ko na hahanapin kayo ng ating mga awtoridad. Hindi kami titigil hanggang hindi kayo napapapanagot sa karumal dumal na krimen na inyong ginawa,” she added.

Gun attacks and killings are not uncommon in Cotabato City where guns for hire are actively operating.

“Sobra na ang ginagawa niyong pambabastos sa ating batas at sa ating mga opisyal. Kung sa tingin niyo ay nanghina kami dahil sa inyong ginawa, diyan kayo nagkakamali. Lalo niyo lang pinapalakas ang aming mga loob at ang aming paniniwala na talagang wala kayong ibang gusto kung hindi ang sirain ang city government at ang Cotabato City. Mga wala kayong respeto. Wala kayong pananampalataya,” Sayadi said without identifying any suspects in the murder.

“We may lay Col. Balquin to rest but we will not rest until you are captured. Tandaan niyo yan. To all our fellow Cotabateños, let us fight against all this lawlessness. Huwag natin hayaan na kumakalat dito sa ating lungsod ang mga taong halang ang kaluluwa. Let us fight for Cotabato City,” she added.

No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack and police are still investigating the motive of the killing.

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