ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY – The suspect in the fatal shooting incident that claimed two lives and injured another in front of the Petro Star Gas Station in Pangi, Zamboanga Sibugay, has surrendered to authorities.
The shooting occurred at 12:05 AM on February 1, 2025, following a heated altercation between the suspect and the victims, who were engaged in a drinking spree outside the convenience store of the gas station. The argument escalated into a commotion, with bottles being smashed. The suspect, who initially approached the group to reprimand their behavior, was allegedly provoked further, leading him to draw a .45 caliber pistol and open fire. Two individuals were killed, while another sustained injuries.
Following a relentless hot pursuit operation, the suspect voluntarily surrendered at 6:00 PM on February 2, 2025, at the Zamboanga Sibugay Provincial Police Office in Sanito, Ipil. The surrender took place in the presence of Provincial Director PCOL Barnard Danie V. Dasugo and Ipil MPS Officer-in-Charge PMAJ Mark Joseph C. Porras. The suspect is now in police custody and will be turned over to the Ipil Municipal Police Station for proper legal procedures.
PCOL Dasugo commended the suspect for surrendering peacefully, emphasizing that justice must be served. “This surrender is a positive step towards ensuring justice for the victims and restoring peace in the community. A thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the full extent of the suspect’s involvement and ensure that he faces the consequences of his actions. This also highlights the importance of cooperation between law enforcement and the public in maintaining order,” he stated.
In a separate law enforcement operation on February 2, 2025, at 4:00 PM, authorities successfully apprehended a high-profile wanted person in Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay. The suspect, a telecom technician residing in Purok 2A, Brgy. Batu, was listed as the Top 1 Most Wanted Person at the provincial level and Top 2 at the municipal level. He was arrested under a warrant issued by Hon. Anthony D.T. Isaw, Presiding Judge of the Regional Trial Court, 9th Judicial Region, Branch 24, Ipil, on December 9, 2024.
The suspect faces charges of Rape (Sexual Abuse) under Criminal Case No. I-9538, with bail set at Php 120,000, and two counts of Acts of Lasciviousness under Criminal Case Nos. I-9766, each with bail set at Php 36,000.
This significant arrest was carried out through the coordinated efforts of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), the Provincial Intelligence Division-Mobile Unit (PIDMU-ZSBPPO), and the Siay Municipal Police Station (MPS).
PCOL Dasugo emphasized the importance of these successful operations, stating, “This successful operation underscores ZSBPPO’s commitment to the principle of ‘Labanan ang Kriminalidad na may Paninindigan’ (Fight crime with conviction), a core tenet of the ‘LIGTAS’ program. We remain steadfast in our dedication to protecting the citizens of Zamboanga Sibugay and bringing all offenders to justice.”