Panabo City, Davao del Norte – A senior official of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) was tragically shot and killed in an ambush on Saturday morning, December 7, 2024, in Purok Marang, Barangay Cagangohan.
The victim, identified as Karen Diana Candilosas, 42, was a senior aquaculturist at the BFAR National Mariculture Center in Panabo City. She was inside her pickup truck parked near a fisheries office when an unidentified assailant approached and fired multiple shots, striking her in the head.
Local police confirmed that the gunman, described as wearing a black jacket, fled the scene immediately after the attack. Authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to determine the motive and identify the perpetrators.
Allegations of Corruption and Mismanagement
The incident occurred amidst rising tensions within BFAR over allegations of corruption, mismanagement, and issues related to budget hearings. Reports suggest that internal disputes and accusations of graft within the agency may have exacerbated the situation.
Sources claim that Ms. Candilosas had recently been involved in high-stakes discussions regarding resource allocations and alleged miscommunications between BFAR executives and personnel. However, authorities have yet to confirm if these disputes are linked to her death.
Statements of Condolence and Justice
The Panabo City Information Office released an official statement expressing profound sorrow over Ms. Candilosas’s death, emphasizing her dedication to the region’s fishing community.
“It is with profound sorrow that we learn about the untimely loss of Ms. Karen Diana Candilosas of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) XI. We are committed to bringing those responsible for this heinous crime to justice,” the statement read.
The local government has assured the victim’s family and the public that every effort will be made to apprehend the culprits.
Community Shocked and Demands Action
Ms. Candilosas was widely regarded as a dedicated public servant who significantly contributed to the aquaculture sector in Davao del Norte. News of her untimely death has sent shockwaves through the local community and BFAR personnel, with many calling for transparency and swift justice.
The Panabo City Police, in collaboration with the Davao del Norte Police Provincial Office, continues to investigate the shooting. Authorities have urged witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
As the investigation unfolds, questions remain about whether the attack was linked to her professional role or other motives. For now, the community mourns the loss of a dedicated public servant whose efforts had a lasting impact on the fishing sector.