Ex-cop shot dead duty police officer in Pikit

KIDAPAWAN CITY -A duty police officerwas shot deadwhile performing his duties in Pikit, North Cotabato Tuesday morning, police authorities said.The incident occurred at past 8 a.m.inSitio Lamak, Barangay Poblacion, Pikit, North Cotabato, according to Chief Insp.Bernard Tayong, North Cotabato Police Provincial Office (NCPPO) spokesperson.Killed on the spot wasPO2 Anwar Batingkay, a member of Pikit PNP and resident of Kidapawan City. Tayong said Batingkay was in the area to conduct monitoring on illegal drugs when shot in close range by the suspect identified as Misuari Mangansakan, a former police assigned in Maguindanao Police Provincial Office. Batingkay sustained several gun shots in the body and died instantly. We are still investigating the motive of the killing,” Supt. Tayong said. PO2 Batingkay was alone while doing his job in the area believed to be haven of people involved in illegal drug trade,” Tayong added. The suspect, according to Tayong, fled on board a pick up vehicle after the shooting. Pikit PNP and 7thInfantry Battalion troopers are conducting pursuit operations.