Philippines: Notre Dame University professor shot dead in Cotabato, school demands justice

An engineering professor at Notre Dame University (NDU) in Cotabato City, Israel Abas Angas, was shot dead in broad daylight on Notre Dame Avenue, Rosary Heights 3, on February 25, 2025.

Two armed suspects on a motorcycle attacked him while he was inside his vehicle, according to police reports, and they immediately fled the scene.

The victim sustained gunshot wounds to his left forearm and upper abdomen and was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. Authorities recovered 14 spent cartridges from a .45 caliber firearm at the crime scene.

Police Colonel Randulf Tuaño, acting chief of the PNP Public Information Office, said authorities are pursuing four suspects linked to an armed group. Brigadier General Arnold Ardiente, director of Police Regional Office 12, confirmed that operations are ongoing to track down those responsible.

In a statement, Notre Dame University strongly condemned the killing of Angas, calling for justice and urging authorities to take swift action.

“This heinous act of violence is not only a grievous loss to our academic community but also an affront to the sanctity of life and the values of humanity we hold dear,” the university said.

The university administration, run by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate congregation, also expressed deep condolences to the professor’s family, friends, and students.

The assassination of Angas, a professor in the Faculties of Engineering and Computer Science and owner of a construction company, has once again highlighted the persistent violence in Mindanao, southern Philippines.

His murder comes just days after the postponement of elections for the full autonomy of areas within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which includes Cotabato City.

Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind Angas’ killing. However, it follows a similar attack on December 30, 2024, when Shiela Ramos Bautista, a professor at the University of Southern Mindanao, was also shot dead in Kidapawan City.

Notre Dame University urged authorities to ensure this crime does not go unsolved, calling on the community to come forward with any information to help bring justice.

“Let us not allow this instance to become another unresolved case in the growing list of senseless violence in our country,” the university stated.