Gunman kills militiaman in North Cotabato

KIDAPAWAN CITY – Unidentified gunman shot dead a member of a para-military operating in Matalam, North Cotabato, around 730 p.m., on Wednesday, reports from the Cotabato Police Provincial Office (CPPO) said.The CPPO identified the victim as Michael Joredico Dapitillo, 37, member of the 9th North Cotabato Civilian Active Auxiliary (CAA) under the Army’s 38th Infantry Battalion.Reports said Dapitillo was taking a rest inside his house at Purok-3A, Barangay Kibia in Matalam when the gunman pumped bullets into his head and chest.The victim died on the spot due to severe gunshot wounds.The Matalam Police said the crime scene was about 20 kilometers away from their station but admitted they are clueless as to the identity of the gunman as none among the residents in the village could provide those details.The killing of CAFGU member Dapitillo was the second this June in North Cotabato, reports from the CPPO showed.In June 14, a CAFGU member was shot dead by his own buddy while they were inside their detachment in Pikit, North Cotabato.The slain CAFGU was identified as Esmael Tanto, 43, of the 31st CAA Company assigned at Barangay Ginatilan, Pikit.Personal grudge was the motive behind the killing, reports said.