Key Highlights
- A suspect was shot dead during a shootout with Matalam police in North Cotabato on January 1, 2026.
- The New Year’s Eve grenade attack injured at least 22 people, including nine minors.
- PNP chief PLT. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartate Jr. vowed to apprehend those responsible for the attack.
Attack on New Year’s Eve in North Cotabato
A suspect involved in a grenade attack during New Year’s celebrations in North Cotabato was killed in a shootout with Matalam police on Thursday night, January 1, 2026. The incident occurred just after midnight in Barangay Dalapitan, where at least 22 people were injured.
According to PLT. James Warren Caang, the spokesperson for the Cotabato Police Provincial Office, a suspect died during an operation that took place around 8:00 p.m. on Thursday night in Barangay Kilada. The pursuit of the second suspect is ongoing as the police continue their efforts to apprehend him.
Retaliation Against Anti-Drug Campaign
The Cotabato Police Provincial Office provided insight into why the attackers chose to target New Year’s revelers, stating that the grenade attack was a form of retaliation against the anti-drug campaign being carried out in the municipality. Caang mentioned that Kilada village is known as one of the havens for drug syndicates operating in the area.
PNP’s Vow to Investigate
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has expressed its determination to bring those responsible for the attack to justice, with PLT. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartate Jr., the acting PNP chief, making a statement on Friday. He directed local police to intensify their operations and conduct hot pursuit of the perpetrators.
Nartate also emphasized the importance of public cooperation in providing information that could lead to the apprehension of the suspects, assuring that all those involved would be held accountable for their actions.
Security Measures Step Up
In response to this incident, Nartate directed a reinforcement of security measures. He instructed local police to immediately increase checkpoint operations, conduct hot pursuit, and gather more intelligence regarding the suspects. The PNP is also coordinating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, local government units, and other intelligence partners to ensure swift action against the perpetrators.
Despite the seriousness of the attack, Nartate assured that the situation remains under control, indicating a commitment to maintaining public safety in the region while intensifying efforts to investigate this heinous crime.
