1 dead, 1 hurt in Cotabato City shootout

MANILA, Philippines --- Investigators said an old grudge could have led to a bloody shootout on Sunday in Cotabato City between a nephew of the city mayor and an adversary.

Guinaid Guiani Jr., who was wounded in the encounter, is now undergoing medication at the Cotabato Notre Dame Hospital in Cotabato City.

Guiani is nephew of Cotabato City Mayor Guiapal Guiani Jr.

Senior Supt. Rolen Balquin, director of the Cotabato City police, told reporters Guiani figured in a firefight with Naga Marohomsalik, who was killed in the incident.

“They chanced at each other and there was a shootout,” Balquin said.

The incident triggered panic, sending villagers running for their lives.

The incident came just a week after Guiani was hauled to into jail by Balquin and his men for carrying unlicensed guns, amid the election gun ban being imposed by the Commission on Elections.

Guiani posted bail, and was on temporary liberty when he fought and killed Marohomsalic.

Guiani was reported by Catholic station dxMS to have sustained gunshot wounds in different parts of his body, while Marohomsalik succumbed to a bullet wound in the head.

Guiani is now guarded in the hospital by policemen.

Balquin said corresponding criminal charges will be filed against Guiani on Tuesday.