Ambush in South Cotabato, Cagayan De Oro isolated cases; security situation still peaceful -PNP spox Banac

The two shooting incidents, which transpired in South Cotabato and Cagayan De Oro City in broad daylight on Wednesday, were isolated incidents, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac said Thursday.

Banac told GMA News Online that the security situation across the country remains peaceful and that local police units in said areas are now investigating the incidents.

"Except for these reported incidents under GCQ and MGCQ, the situation in the whole country remains peaceful and orderly with PNP on top of the situation, alert and vigilant to prevent occurrence of crimes to protect and keep our people safe," Banac said.

The incidents happened following the easing of quarantine protocols across the country as some regions were already placed under modified general community quarantine. Police have been saying that strict quarantine measures have resulted in the decrease of nationwide crime rate.

Maguindanao massacre key witness Mohamad Sangki, his driver, and one security personnel from the Department of Justice's witness protection program were on their way to the airport in Tantangan, South Cotabato when they were ambushed by still unidentified suspects.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra has said he will immediately order a probe on the incident.

On the other hand, the mayor of Lumbaca Unayan in Lanao del Sur and two others were hurt after their vehicle was also ambushed in Cagayan De Oro City by armed men riding a motorcycle.

Hot pursuit operation is ongoing to arrest the perpetrators, police said.—AOL, GMA News