Four people, including three minors, were killed while another was injured after they were shot while heading home in Barangay New Abra, Matalam, Cotabato.

Police said the fatalities are 20, 16, 12, and 11 years old. Their companion, a 14-year-old boy was confined to a hospital.

Based on investigation, the victims went to the house of a certain “Eddie” reportedly to access the internet evening on Thursday, January 29, 2026.

While they were on their way home on board a motorcycle, unidentified assailants shot them before fleeing on foot toward Sitio Malupayag.

Authorities are investigating the incident to identify the perpetrators and determine the motive.

The Matalam Municipal Police Station condemned the incident.

“The Matalam MPS expresses its deepest sympathy to the bereaved families and strongly condemns this cowardly act of violence. We assure the public that intensified investigation and manhunt operations are ongoing to identify and arrest the suspects and ensure that justice will be served,” Matalam police said.

Investigators are also urging anyone who has information about the incident to come forward and cooperate with authorities.

(With reports from Efren Mamac, GMA Regional TV One Mindanao)