Cop shot dead inside mosque

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — A gunman shot dead an off-duty policeman who was praying inside a mosque in Barangay Uyaan Proper in Madamba, Lanao del Sur on Saturday.

Capt. Steffie Salanguit, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region police spokesperson, said CM/Sgt. Alioden Sarangani died instantly from gunshots to the head.

Sarangani was performing isha, the last of the five Islamic prayers for the day, when the gunman approached from behind and shot him several times in the head. The assailant ran away amid the commotion among other worshippers.

Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr. condemned the incident as he called on police to arrest the killer.

Adiong offered a cash incentive to people who can help police identify the killer.

Brig. Gen. Christopher Abecia, Bangsamoro police chief, assured residents that investigators are working on solving the case.