Cops probing execution of 4 farmers in North Cotabato

NORTH COTABATO, Philippines – Investigators are still facing a blank wall on Monday's gangland style execution of four ethnic Maguindanaons in Matalam town.

The fatalities identified as Khalid Kamama and Bulantoy Adam, both of Barangay Dungguan in Datu Montawal, Maguindanao; and Hayden Buisan and Faisal Tunganay, residents of Kabacan, North Cotabato, were found dead along  a stretch of a national highway in Barangay Singakatulan in Matalam.

Witnesses, who asked not to be identified, said the four men were brought to Barangay Singakatulan by the gunmen using an unmarked vehicle and shot the victims in the heads.

The suspects sped off using the same vehicle, leaving behind the lifeless bodies of the four victims.

Senior Inspector Joyce Birrey, chief of the Matalam municipal police, said villagers in Barangay Sinkatulan were awakened by several gunshots at about 2:00 a.m. Monday. When they came out to check, they found the victims who were hogtied and their mouths duct taped.

Birrey said Mamaluba Enggona, a barangay chairman from Montawal town, positively identified the victims. He said the village chief was also clueless on the possible reason behind the victims' killing.

Birrey said responding policemen recovered several spent shells of .45 caliber pistol from the scene.

Birrey, citing feedback from Engona, said the slain men were farmers. He said that victims also sidelined as passenger motorcycle drivers during their free time.