Hunt on for other suspects in deadly Cotabato shooting

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 25) — Police are hunting down other suspects in the shooting in Cotabato City that left three people dead, including two candidates in next week's Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.

At least 12 suspects are already in custody.

However, a portion of one of four houses where they were arrested was damaged and possibly used by others involved in the incident to escape, Cotabato City police chief Querubin Manalang told CNN Philippines’ The Source.

"Mayroong indication na may tumakas, mayroon pa po silang mga kasama…may portion doon na nawasak sa likod tapos malapit sya sa creek," he explained.

[Translation: There are indications someone escaped, there are others involved. There was a portion damaged at the back (of the house) near the creek.]

Authorities are still investigating Monday's incident as they've heard two versions. One claimed the victims were suddenly shot while putting up campaign posters, while the other said an argument broke out before the shooting happened.

The fatalities were identified as candidates for councilor Nur-Moqtadin Butucan and Alfar Singh Ayunan Pasawiran, and Faisal Abas—a civilian.

Among those arrested was prime suspect Juhalidin Ladesla Abdul alias «Boyong,» who's running for barangay chairman.

Manalang said police also confiscated three guns in the area.