Classes suspended in Cotabato school after killing of councilman

KABACAN, Cotabato – Classes in a school in Barangay Lower Paatan here were suspended following Wednesday’s attack that led to the killing of a village councilman and his brother.

Lower Paatan Punong Barangay Abdulracid Dima ordered the temporary suspension of classes at Lower Paatan Elementary School, effective Wednesday, as a precaution for the safety of learners, teachers and school personnel.

In his memorandum, Dima said classes would resume once authorities have assessed the situation and the safety of the school community “can be reasonably assured.” He also urged residents to stay vigilant, avoid the affected area and follow the instructions of local authorities.

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Before dawn on Wednesday, Oct. 21, village councilor Bayan Patacpan Maganaka and his brother, Ibrahim Patacpan Maganaka, the barangay’s cashier and bookkeeper, were shot dead, and a 17-year-old companion was seriously wounded, during a community celebration in Barangay Lower Paatan.

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Both died on the spot from gunshot wounds.

READ: NBI nabs person linked to S. Cotabato shooting, ‘groomer’ in Cebu

Barangay officials and investigators from the Kabacan Municipal Police Station said the victims were attending an overnight community gathering in Purok Liwliwa when they were attacked by men armed with pistols. The gunmen immediately fled after the shooting.

Mayor Evangeline Pascua-Guzman said barangay officials and police investigators were working together to resolve the case.

Police and soldiers from the Army unit deployed in Kabacan, one of Cotabato’s 17 towns, have launched a joint pursuit operation against the suspects. /cb