Coast Guard personnel killed, another wounded in Cotabato City shooting

COTABATO CITY — A Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel was killed while another was wounded after two unidentified gunmen opened fire on their vehicle in Cotabato City on Thursday. 

Police said the victims were on their way to the PCG Cotabato City Station when they were attacked at around 12:28 p.m. along Roman Vilo Street in Poblacion 6.

The fatality was identified as SN2 Reniel Agpalo, who was declared dead on arrival at the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center after sustaining a gunshot wound to the back of the head.

His companion, ASN Louther Jhon Vitor was wounded after being shot on the left side of the head. He was also brought to the same hospital for treatment.

The station commander, LTCDR John Paul Cabarrubias, who was also inside the vehicle, escaped unharmed.

Initial police information points to a possible work-related personal grudge as the motive behind the attack.

Investigators said the suspects, both wearing black shirts and masks, were riding a black motorcycle with an undetermined plate number when they fired at both sides of the victims’ vehicle. 

Police recovered seven empty shell casings at the scene, believed to have come from a 9mm firearm.

Personnel from several police units have launched follow-up operations to track down the suspects.