A Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairman in Cotabato City and his brother were killed after they were shot by unidentified gunmen on Jose Lim Street corner Sinsuat Avenue, Barangay Poblacion 5, on Saturday, October 4, 2025.

Police identified the fatalities as Prince Mohaz Rafsanjanie Matanog, 23, SK chairman of Poblacion 5, and his 24-year-old brother, Muamar.

Based on investigation, the victims were on board their vehicle when four suspects riding two motorcycles shot them around 10:30 a.m.

The victims sustained gunshot wounds in different parts of their bodies. The SK chairman was declared dead on arrival at the hospital while his brother died while undergoing treatment.

Police officers conducting mobile patrol near the area responded immediately after hearing the gunshots.

The suspects allegedly fired at the responding police officers, which resulted in an encounter.

One police officer and one of the suspects sustained injuries. However, the suspects managed to escape.

Authorities are pursuing the suspects, as of this writing.

In a statement, the City Government of Cotabato condemned the incident.

“This brutal and senseless act is an offense against peace, order, and the values of public service that our city stands for,” the statement reads.

“Chairperson Matanog was a young leader who served with dedication and sincerity. His death is a painful loss to his family, to the youth sector, and to a community that believed in his leadership,” it added.

Mayor Bruce Matabalao has ordered the Cotabato City Police Office to pursue the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

The city government also offered a P500,000 reward for credible information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

“Those who carried out this crime must face justice. There will be no place for such cruelty in Cotabato City,” the statement reads.