A barangay official was killed in a pre-dawn home invasion in Cotabato City, prompting an investigation into the fatal attack.
The victim was identified as Asraph Karim, incumbent barangay kagawad of Poblacion, Mother Kabuntalan, Maguindanao del Norte.
According to Police Station 2 Commander Major Teofisto Jun Ferrer, the incident happened at around 2:14 a.m. in Purok Pag-asa, Barangay Rosary Heights 7. Karim sustained multiple gunshot wounds to various parts of his body. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Investigators recovered ten spent cartridges and two fired bullets from a .45 caliber pistol at the crime scene.
Authorities said the motive remains unclear, but investigators from Police Station 2 are now pursuing leads as part of an ongoing probe.
Police have yet to identify the suspects or confirm if the attack was politically or personally motivated.
