Suspected death squad claims another victim in Kidapawan

KIDAPAWAN, Philippines — Members of a suspected death squad killed another victim here in this southern city, police said on Tuesday. Police identified the latest victim as Percy Bacus, 38, a farmer from Barangay Linao, in Matalam, North Cotabato. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds in different parts of his body. Bacus was onboard his black Yamaha STX motorcycle with plate number MF 6893 when attacked by two motorcycle-riding men along the highway in Binoligan village of Kidapawan. The suspects used a motorcycle that had no plate number, witnesses said. According to police records, Bacus had pending attempted robbery and frustrated murder cases. Tuesday’s shooting incident was the 14th since October 2008 and Bacus became the 16th victim. Of the 16 victims, 13 died. Bacus’ killing came five days after a shooting incident along a commercial district here that killed two and injured one. The suspect was identified as Police Officer 1 Marvin Contayoso, a member of the intelligence unit of the Kidapawan City police. Contayoso has been placed under the custody of the city police chief, Supt. Chino Mamburam, who happens to be his uncle. - GMANews.TV