Soldiers turn over alleged shooting suspect to PNP in Cotabato

The 90th Infantry (Bigkis-Lahi) Battalion, in coordination with the Kabacan Municipal Police Station (MPS) and local authorities, facilitated the voluntary surrender of an Army personnel accused of involvement in a shooting incident in Barangay Lower Paatan, Kabacan, Cotabato, on Wednesday, 21 October.

Cpl. Virgilio D. Magbiray Jr. surrendered on 24 October following three days of pursuit operations, according to the military.

Lt. Col. Loqui O. Marco, commanding officer of the 90th Infantry Battalion, presented Magbiray to BGen. Gremel B. Brual, commander of the 601st Infantry (Unifier) Brigade, and reported the circumstances of his surrender for proper coordination and documentation.

BGen. Edgar L. Catu, commander of the 6th Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Central, directed the suspect’s turnover to the Kabacan MPS for appropriate legal proceedings.

Catu stressed that the law applies equally to everyone, regardless of rank or position, and that anyone found guilty of violating it must be held accountable in accordance with due process. He also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to the rule of law, accountability, and respect for constitutional rights.

The formal turnover took place at the 90th Infantry Battalion headquarters on 24 October, in the presence of police personnel from the Kabacan MPS. The pistol allegedly used in the incident was also surrendered.

As part of the procedure, police read Magbiray his Miranda rights, informing him of his right to remain silent and to legal counsel, among other constitutional protections. He was subsequently placed under police custody for appropriate legal proceedings.