Traffic enforcer on duty shot, hurt in Cotabato

MIDSAYAP, Cotabato — An unidentified gunman shot and seriously injured a traffic enforcer on Tuesday morning here while he was performing his duties in Barangay Poblacion 1. Midsayap Mayor Rolly Sacdalan immediately condemned the attack against the law enforcer and directed the police to bring the perpetrator to justice. Juius Reberal Lajot, 43, of Barangay, sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving medical attention. "We strongly condemn this heinous act against our traffic enforcer who was merely doing his job to ensure the safety of our community," Sacdalan said in a statement. "We have ordered the police to conduct a thorough investigation and to ensure that the culprit is apprehended swiftly." The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in the southern Philippines, where law enforcement personnel have been targets of violence in the past. Authorities are urging the public to report any suspicious activities to help in the investigation.