By Edwin Fernandez

AMBUSH. The car of Youth Council Chair Prince Mohaz Matanog of Barangay Poblacion 5, Cotabato City, after he and his brother were ambushed and killed on Saturday (Oct. 4, 2025), along Sinsuat Avenue. Police have identified a person of interest in the daylight gun attack. (Photo courtesy of DXMS Radyo Bida)

COTABATO CITY – Police authorities here have identified one of the two gunmen who ambushed and killed a youth council chair and his brother over the weekend in the city’s commercial district.

“The PNP has identified and is actively investigating a person of interest who may have a direct link to the crime,” City Police Director Col. Jibin Bongcayao said in a statement Monday.

Bongcayao withheld the suspect’s name but confirmed that a follow-up investigation is underway, backed by CCTV footage from business establishments and city government street cameras.

The victims, Prince Mohaz Matanog (Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson of Barangay Poblacion 5) and his brother, Muamar Matanog, were on board a car traversing Sinsuat Avenue at about 10 a.m. Saturday (Oct. 4, 2025) when two men on a motorbike opened fire. Both victims were declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

Bongcayao said one of the police personnel who first responded to the ambush was injured when the suspects traded shots with lawmen. One of the two gunmen was also hit in the back and is now the subject of a massive manhunt.

Cotabato City Mayor Bruce Matabalao has offered a PHP500,000 cash reward for any credible information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. (PNA)