CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – A 30-year-old Grab driver was shot dead by unidentified riding-in-tandem assailants in Barangay Balulang on Thursday night, August 28, 2025.
The victim, identified as Ian Apawan, a resident of Oro Culai, Balulang, had just dropped off a passenger when he was gunned down in Carinogan, Balulang around 9:45 p.m. Witnesses reported hearing at least seven gunshots before finding Apawan slumped inside his vehicle, which was left parked askew along the roadside near a store. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds that led to his instant death.
Police investigators are looking into several possible motives, including personal conflict, with love-related issues being considered as one angle. The suspects remain unidentified as of press time.
The incident was immediately responded to by the Balulang police and Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT), who were already conducting regular patrols and community monitoring under the directive of Barangay Chairman Edwin E. Micabani.
On the same night, barangay officials also addressed other community concerns, including a reported house ransacking incident allegedly involving a sibling dispute, disturbances caused by late-night videoke sessions, and provided assistance during events such as the Balulang Elementary School Fun Run and the Balulang National High School Intramurals.
Despite these efforts, the shooting incident has heightened community concern, prompting barangay and police authorities to intensify security patrols across the area of responsibility to deter further violence.
Authorities continue to urge residents to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious activities as the investigation into Apawan’s killing is ongoing.