Radio blocktimer killed in Cotabato ambush, two others die in pursuit op

KIDAPAWAN CITY - A radio blocktimer anchor who was also a close-in bodyguard of a local politician died Wednesday night after he was shot by unidentified suspects in Mlang, Cotabato.

Police Supt. John Meredell Calinga identified the victim as Marlon Muyco, a blocktimer radio host of Abyan sa Kalambuan sa Banwa ssang Mlang, aired over dxND Radyo Bida in Kidapawan City every Thursday from 12-1 p.m. He was also said to be the bodyguard of Mlang Mayor Atty. Russel Abonado.

Muyco's daughter Michelle sustained gunshot wounds in the body but was pronounced out of danger while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Mlang.

Calinga said the victims were riding a motorcycle on their way home in Barangay La Suerte when the suspects fired at them at around 6 p.m., killing Muyco instantly.

Mlang Police investigation revealed that the suspects were tailing the victims and shot them when they reached a secluded area.

Muyco sustained five bullet wounds while his daughter was hit by three bullets.

Pursuit op

Police authorities received information that one of the suspects, considered as a gun-for-hire, escaped toward Barangay Dolores in Antipas town.

A hot pursuit operation was conducted for his arrest. However the suspect retaliated with gunshots.

A policeman and a civilian asset were killed while two policemen were also wounded during the exchange of fire between responding policemen and the suspect.

The suspect, who was identified as Boyet Patubo, is said to be a brother of a barangay chairman in Antipas.

Patubo was also wounded during the exchange of fire and is being treated at an undisclosed hospital in Kidapawan City as of posting time.

The son of chairman Ireneo Patubo is also allegedly involved in the firefight. He is under the custody of the Antipas PNP as of posting time.

Responding policemen confiscated from the suspect a .38-caliber revolver, a .45-caliber pistol and an Armalite rifle.

Police investigators are still determining the motive of the suspect in killing Muyco. —KG, GMA News