An engineer was killed while a laborer was injured in a shooting at the under-construction KCC Mall of Cotabato on Tuesday afternoon, police confirmed.
PLT. Rochelle Evangelista, spokesperson for the Cotabato City Police Office (CCPO), identified the fatality as 28-year-old Engr. Ronald Dagu-an, a project engineer from Pagadian City. The injured victim, Reno delos Santos, a laborer from General Santos City, is currently receiving medical treatment.
Initial investigations revealed that the victims were in conversation with their colleagues when gunfire erupted on the mall’s second floor. Responding authorities found the two victims bleeding after being shot by an unidentified suspect.
Engr. Dagu-an sustained multiple gunshot wounds in various parts of his body, which led to his immediate death, according to police reports.
Authorities from Police Precinct 1 are conducting a thorough investigation, reviewing CCTV footage, and gathering witness testimonies. A person of interest has already been taken into custody.
The Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) has processed the crime scene and collected additional evidence to aid in the investigation.
PLT. Evangelista assured the public that authorities have the situation under control and that residents need not worry. Police presence remains heightened to ensure peace and security in the city.