Cop shot dead in Cotabato; ‘turf war’ among rogue cops eyed

A POLICEMAN was shot dead in Cotabato City on Sunday, December 1, as the country ushers in the Christmas season.

A spot report from the Cotabato City Police Office under Officer-In-Charge (OIC) PCol. Michael John C. Mangahis, identified the fatality as PMSg. John Manuel Vocal Bongcawil, married, 36, a resident of Parang, Maguindanao del Norte and assigned at the province’s police intelligence unit, which is stationed in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat.

The initial spot report said the victim was inside his gray Mitsubishi Mirage (LAB 9820) together with his family at the parking lot of the City Mall in Rosario Heights 7, after watching a movie when he was attacked by still undetermined number of gunmen past 6:30pm.

Bongcawil managed to get out of his vehicle before sprawling on the pavement from several gunshot wounds as the suspects successfully made their escape.

The victim was rushed at the Cotabato Regional Medical Center for treatment but was declared ‘dead on arrival.’

SOCO investigators later recovered 12 pieces of fired cartridges and 4 deformed slugs believed fired from a .45 caliber pistol. The victim’s service firearm, a ‘Glock’ 9mm pistol with serial number PNP 23142 along with its bullets were also recovered from the crime scene.

Although the motive for the attack is yet to be determined by the police, informed sources said the killing may be connected to the ongoing, silent ‘turf war’ involving rogue cops engaged in the rampant smuggling of cigarettes and protection racket in BARMM and nearby areas.

The police informed higher headquarters that they already requested for copies of footages from CCTVs in “all nearby houses and establishments” to hasten their investigation.