2 Coast Guard personnel slain in Cotabato City shooting

MANILA, Philippines — Two Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel have died following a shooting incident in Cotabato City, the agency confirmed as it mourned their deaths and vowed to pursue justice.

In a statement on Saturday, the PCG identified the fatalities as Seaman First Class Reniel Agpalo and Seaman Second Class Louther Jhon Vitor, both assigned to Coast Guard Station Maguindanao.

The two were among three Coast Guard personnel attacked by motorcycle-riding gunmen along Roman Vilo Street in Cotabato City on Thursday.

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Agpalo was declared dead on arrival at a hospital, while Vitor was initially reported wounded. The PCG’s latest statement confirmed that Vitor had also died. Lt. Cmdr. John Paul Cabarrubias, the station commander, was unharmed in the attack.

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READ: 2 soldiers slain in Maguindanao del Norte gun attack

Based on an initial police report, two unidentified suspects wearing black shirts and masks carried out the shooting before fleeing aboard a black Honda XRM motorcycle.

Their identities and whereabouts have yet to be established.

READ: Village chief, militiaman slain in ambush in Arakan, Cotabato

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The PCG has yet to provide further details on the circumstances surrounding Vitor’s death or any other developments in the investigation.

The PCG expressed condolences to the families of the two personnel and said it was providing them with assistance and support.

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“As we mourn their passing, we honor the lives they lived, their dedication to duty, and their service to the Filipino people,” the agency said.

“They will be remembered not only for their commitment to the nation but also as valued members of the Coast Guard family,” it added. —Gabryelle Dumalag