18/09/2025
MUST READ!! OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF MAYOR BRUCE MATABALAO
ON THE CLAIMS MADE BY MR. BIMBO AYUNAN PASAWIRAN
The Cotabato City Government has taken note of the baseless and misleading statements made by Mr. Bimbo Ayunan Pasawiran during his press conference last night. For the sake of truth and fairness to the Cotabateños, we are compelled to set the record straight and refute his claims point by point.
First, he said that the City Government had no action after the shooting. Isa po itong malaking kasinungalingan. The City Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) immediately responded because it is THEIR MANDATE to secure the area, assist the victims, and begin the investigation. The Public Order and Safety Office and the Quick Response Team (QRT) were also present to provide support. Let us be clear: the proper response to a violent crime is to save lives, secure evidence, and pursue justice. Hindi mag Facebook Live para gawing palabas sa social media. What matters is that the authorities acted swiftly and carried out their duty with urgency and seriousness.
Second, he claimed there was no presence and no comment from the LGU. That accusation is without any basis. Right after the incident, the City Government directed the Cotabato City Police, under City Director Col. Jibin Bongcayao, to launch a full investigation without delay. I personally issued the instruction and offered a reward to move the case forward and encourage witnesses to come forward. These were never empty gestures. They were concrete actions that show the City Government is working. Ang tunay na aksyon ay makikita sa malinaw na gawa, hindi sa salita. In Cotabato City, we live by the principle that Aksyon ang Solusyon, and this is exactly what we delivered. To claim otherwise deceives the public and disrespects the dedication of those fulfilling their duty.
Third, he said that the LGU did not act on other incidents, like in Barangay Poblacion 4. That is a gross misrepresentation. The truth is simple: every time there is a crime or disturbance, the City Government immediately coordinates with the police and the proper agencies. Hindi lahat ng aksyon ay kailangang nasa kamera. Hindi lahat ng trabaho ay kailangang i-post online. Real governance is about real work, not publicity stunts. To say otherwise is to deliberately ignore the facts and mislead the public.
Fourth, he alleged that outsiders were brought into Cotabato City to target their family. This is an irresponsible and dangerous claim. If Mr. Pasawiran truly knows who these so-called outsiders are, then he must present evidence. I challenge him to name names. Bring them to the authorities. Justice is not achieved through wild accusations but through proof and due process. Hindi pwedeng puro sabi-sabi at haka-haka. Kung may ebidensya siya, ilabas sa tamang paraan. Otherwise, this kind of talk only spreads fear and confusion without helping anyone.
Fifth, he claimed that they are the true owners of Kalanganan. That statement is outrageous and completely false. NO FAMILY OWNS A BARANGAY. NO CLAN OWNS A CITY. Barangays belong to their residents. Cotabato City belongs to all Cotabateños. Walang may-ari ng lungsod kundi ang mga tao mismo. Ang lungsod ay hindi hacienda ng kahit sino at hindi ito personal na titulo ng kahit anong pamilya. Any attempt to claim ownership of a community is an insult to the people who live and work here.
Sixth, he said that the city has not shown progress. That is a blatant disregard of reality. Cotabato City has made visible improvements in infrastructure, education, health services, livelihood programs, and investments. Peace and order initiatives are being implemented in close partnership with law enforcement and communities. Hindi ito gawa-gawang kwento, ito ay totoong pagbabago na nakikita at nararamdaman ng tao. If Mr. Pasawiran refuses to see this, it is because he is blinded by his own false narrative. Progress is undeniable. Development is real. Walang kasinungalingan ang makakapagtakip nito.
Finally, he spoke as if the City Government is plotting against their family. This is a baseless and reckless accusation. It is not only false, it is a direct insult to the people of Cotabato City who know the truth. The duty of the LGU is to ensure safety, strengthen order, and deliver services. Hindi trabaho ng City Government ang manira, manakot, o magpatumba ng tao. Our mandate is service, governance, and development — nothing more, nothing less.
The City Government acknowledges the pain of the Pasawiran family and we respect their grief. But grief must not be twisted into false accusations. To claim that the Mayor or the LGU is behind a crime without a shred of evidence is reckless, dangerous, and unfair to the people who are working for justice. He himself said it — tapos na ang politika. What Cotabato City needs now is unity, stability, and peace.
Our challenge is clear and uncompromising: if there is evidence, bring it forward. If there are names, say them. File the case. Face the law, not the camera. Otherwise, stop the rumors, stop the drama, and stop misleading the public. Huwag gawing palabas ang Cotabato City. This is not Netflix. This is real life. The lives of our people are sacred, and they will never be reduced to lies or conspiracy stories.
Justice can never be served by anger alone, but only by truth, proof, and due process. The City Government only hopes that the statements made by Mr. Pasawiran in his press conference are grounded in facts and evidence, and not merely in BUGSO NG DAMDAMIN.
via Bruce Matabalao FB ADMIN
