Two officials killed in Cotabato shooting

Two brothers serving as barangay officials were killed in a shooting attack during an overnight community gathering in Barangay Lower Paatan, Kabacan, Cotabato, on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. The victims were identified as Bayan Patacpan Maganaka, a barangay councilor, and Ibrahim Patacpan Maganaka, the village bookkeeper and cashier. Both died at the scene from gunshot wounds.

A 17-year-old companion was also seriously wounded in the attack. Preliminary reports suggest an argument may have occurred between Bayan, who was facilitating a disco event, and an unidentified individual prior to the gunfire, though authorities have not yet confirmed a motive.

Local police and military units have launched pursuit operations to identify and apprehend the gunmen, who fled immediately after the incident. As a precaution, classes at Lower Paatan Elementary School were temporarily suspended.