SHOOTING SUSPECTS. Police officers watch over four of the 10 suspects arrested in front of former Rep. Ronnie Sinsuat’s residence in Rosales St., Cotabato City following a brief shootout that left one police officer killed on Tuesday (Jan. 2, 2024). Colonel Querubin Manalang Jr, city police director, identified the slain police officer as Staff Sgt. Zahraman Diocolano of the Maguindanao Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company. (Photo courtesy of Radyo Bandera-Cotabato)
COTABATO CITY – A police officer serving as escort of a Maguindanao del Norte mayor was killed during a Moro family feud settlement that turned violent here on Tuesday afternoon.
Colonel Querubin Manalang Jr, city police director, identified the slain police officer as Staff Sgt. Zahraman Diocolano, 39, of the Maguindanao Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC).
Diocolano was detailed as security escort of Mayor Lester Sinsuat of Datu Odin Sinsuat town in Maguindanao del Norte.
Former board member Datu Bimbo Sinsuat said the incident happened during a family gathering held at the house of former Rep. Ronnie Sinsuat along Rosales Street here to settle a “rido” (family feud) involving Mayor Lester and the family of his late uncle, Datu Jamael Sinsuat.
However, a group of armed men arrived and shot Diocolano, who was outside the compound.
Responding police and members of Philippine Marines arrested the suspects, identified as Army Private 1st Class John Carlo Nocum, 31, a member of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, and three armed individuals.
“Overall, ten persons were arrested, and 11 firearms were recovered from them,” Manalang said, adding reason behind the firefight was still being determined. (PNA)
