Shootout injures 4 civilians, 1 police officer in Cotabato City

Four civilians and a police officer were injured in a shootout between supporters of two rival political groups in Barangay Rosary Heights 10, Cotabato City, on Sunday night.

Corporal Deniel Gabucayan from the Cotabato City Police Mobile Force Company was among those wounded along with Jomar K. Salik, Johaita S. Kanakan, Dennis D. Mamalangkay, and Jomar M. Maton who were promptly taken to a hospital for treatment.

Lt. Col. Roden Orbon of the Army's 6th Infantry Division and Col. Jibin Bongcayao, Cotabato City police director, confirmed that more than 30 male suspects have been detained by Marine Battalion Landing Team-5 and police personnel.

The shootout occurred ahead of Cotabato City's local elections with the two groups backing rival regional political parties.

Barangay officials and residents identified the conflicting factions as being associated with competing political entities contesting in the upcoming election.