Soldier, cop shot dead in North Cotabato, Iligan

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – A soldier was killed and another was wounded in a gun attack in Midsayap, North Cotabato on Thursday.

Pfc. Meljay Bernal and Cpl. Earl Tabaranza of the 34th Infantry Battalion were riding a motorcycle on their way to the town proper when they were shot, according to Lt. Col. John Calinga,  Midsayap police chief.

Bernal died at the scene. Tabaranza was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Suspected members of the Dawla Islamiya or Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters were alleged to be behind the attack.

Meanwhile, in Iligan City, Cpl. Samuel Bagamaspad of the Saguiaran police in Lanao del Sur was shot as he arrived on a motorcycle in front of his house in Barangay Santiago on Thursday. His companion, said to be his relative who has yet to be identified, was wounded.

Investigations into the attacks are ongoing.