MAGUINDANAO, Philippines – The Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer of Maguindanao was shot and wounded in Cotabato City on Monday.

The assailant, however, was immediately caught by a policeman.

Bai Kabayan Bing Bacar was shot past 3 p.m. in front of a bakeshop along Quezon Avenue in Cotabato City.

Bacar was immediately brought to Cotabato City Medical Specialist for treatment.

The provincial agrarian reform official was on board a green pick-up vehicle waiting for nephew Babil Dimudatang, who was buying bread, when the incident happened.

Dimudatang saw the shooting incident.

“Nakatayo lang ako sa tapat ng bakeshop kasi inutusan niya ako. Tapos may lumapit na tao tapos, nagpaputok ng baril,” said Dimudatang.

Police Officer 3 Datumanong Lauban, a member of Cotabato City police who was in the area, also saw the shooting.

Lauban immediately fired at the suspect, who tried to escape towards the interior portion of Quezon Avenue.

Lauban, however, managed to catch up with the suspect and arrest him.

As of posting, the suspect was with the Cotabato City Police Office undergoing tactical interrogation.

Senior Inspector Wales Kasuyo, Cotabato City Police Station 1 commander, said the suspect will be subjected to a paraffin test at the crime laboratory.