Village exec, 3 watchmen shot dead

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – A village official and three watchmen were killed in another shooting in this city on Friday.

Village councilor Misuari Kasim and his companions – watchmen Mamanta Kalim, Theng Wahab and Omar Abo – were in a government vehicle parked along a bridge in Mother Bagua district when the assailants approached and shot them.

Kasim, Kalim and Wahab died at the scene while Abo died while being treated in a a nearby hospital.

Witnesses said the assailants escaped on motorcycles before responding policemen arrived at the scene.

City police chief Senior Superintendent Rex Anongos said investigation showed Kasim was the target of the attack.

Kasim earlier informed the police that he had been receiving threats through text messages.