A policeman was shot dead in front of his family at the parking area of a mall in Cotabato City evening on Sunday, December 1, 2024.

Police said the victim, Master Sergeant John Manuel Bongcawil, was assigned at the Provincial Intelligence Unit of Maguindanao del Norte Police Provincial Office.

Based on investigation, the victim went to his car at the parking area with his family when the suspect approached and shot him. He reportedly tried to run away to divert attention away from his family but another suspect shot him.

The victim sustained gunshot wounds in the head, neck, and chest. He did not reach the hospital alive.

“Base sa SOCO, may blood stain sa loob, eh… possible nakasakay na talaga siya or pasakay pa lang. However, siguro sa volume of fire, ang naging instinct nga niya is makalayo doon sa sasakyan kasi andun yung family niya, ang kanyang anak, asawa, kapatid, at saka yung mama niya,” Cotabato City Police Office Chief, Col. Michael John Mangahis, said.

Police said the killing may be related to the victim’s work. Two persons of interest have been identified.

“Nag-co-conduct kami ng follow up operation kagabi pero need namin ng deeper investigation kasi base sa nature ng trabaho niya, talagang malalim po ito kasi intel po ito,” Mangahis added.

Police have extended its sympathies to the bereaved family.

Investigators are also investigating the security measures implemented at the mall.

“Parte ng aming magiging investigation at saka mga action taken nila. Dapat kung may scenario, anong dapat nilang gawin, i-che-check namin kung anong kahandaan din nila,” Mangahis said.

GMA Regional TV One Mindanao is reaching out to the victim’s family and the mall management for comment, as of this writing.