By Edwin Fernandez
COTABATO CITY – Hours after he pulled a daylight gun attack that killed a tricycle driver and injured a police officer, the gunman was arrested at a police-military checkpoint in Cotabato City Monday afternoon.
Col. Jibin Bongcayao, city police director, identified the suspect as alias “Jamir,” 29, a resident of Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat, but temporarily living with his wife in Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao del Norte.
Mayor Bruce Matabalao, who spoke with the suspect, revealed that Jamir admitted he tried to liquidate Police Cpl. Titing Kauring, whom he suspected of having an affair with his wife.
Kauring was injured but denied the gunman’s claim.
“It is considered a crime of passion,” Matabalao said.
Kauring, who was riding a motorcycle along Jose Lim Street on Sunday morning, July 12, was shot three times by Jamir while on his own motorbike.
Nasser Gapor, a tricycle driver, was killed when hit by stray bullets. A passenger-child was also injured.
On Monday afternoon, Jamir was flagged down at a police-Marines checkpoint in Barangay Poblacion 9 for driving a motorbike without a license plate. Further inspection revealed an unlicensed .45-caliber pistol.
“Case closed,” Bongcayao said, adding that Jamir has been charged with murder, frustrated murder and illegal possession of a firearm. (PNA)
