PIKIT, North Cotabato — Law enforcement agencies in Cotabato province have created a special task force to speed up the investigation of the recent killings of two foreign businessmen, an American and a Pakistani, in Pikit town.
The special task force is composed of personnel from the provincial police, National Bureau of Investigation and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, provincial police spokesman Superintendent Bernard Tayong.
Pakistani trader Etesham Ulhaq was shot dead by motorcycle-riding gunmen who also took his bag with P12,000 cash in it in Barangay Dalengaoen, Pikit town on October 24
On the other hand, Jeff Micheal Keith, a former U.S. serviceman, was slain Sunday afternoon, October 29, again by motorcycle-riding killers, as he delivered goods to a store in Barangay Poblacion. The victim’s bag, with P20,000 and other valuables, was also taken.
The American, who had been living in Cagayan de Oro, was with his Filipina wife and two children when he was killed.
Tayong said municipal police chiefs have been ordered to account for all foreign nationals in their respective areas of jurisdiction and ensure their safety.
Foreigners will also be advised to avoid areas tagged by police as “hotspots.”
