In a determined push for justice, South Cotabato 2nd District Representative Peter Miguel has announced a P1 million reward for any information that could lead to the capture of the individuals responsible for the brutal murder of Jose Osorio, a vice mayoral candidate from Tantangan. The announcement came on Monday, November 18, 2024, as the local police continue their relentless search for leads.
The South Cotabato Police have escalated their efforts by establishing a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) dedicated to swiftly resolving the case. This group was formed on Tuesday following the discovery of Osorio’s body early on November 18, lying in a pool of blood at his family’s roadside eatery in Barangay Bukay Pait.
Osorio, who had previously served three terms as a barangay chairperson and was running for vice mayor in the upcoming elections alongside former Mayor Benjamin Figueroa, was found dead the morning after his murder, which is believed to have occurred around 10 p.m. the previous night. His wife and their house help reported not hearing any gunfire at the time of the incident.
South Cotabato Police Director Col. Samuel Cadungon stated that the SITG-Osorio’s primary focus will be to identify and prosecute both the perpetrators and the mastermind behind the killing. Despite Osorio having no known enemies, the police are exploring both personal vendettas and election-related motives as potential reasons for the murder. Cadungon also noted that Osorio had not received any death threats prior to the attack.
The community and Osorio’s family are hopeful that the substantial reward will encourage witnesses or those with information to come forward, helping to bring the culprits to justice.