VALENCIA CITY, Bukidnon — Two men were killed instantly after being gunned down by unidentified suspects at midday on Wednesday, September 10, in Purok 7, Barangay Vintar, this city.
The victims were identified as Godofredo Macahilig Jardinico, 40, and Jeric Asis Paskin, 38, both married and residents of Sitio San Roque, Barangay Kahaponan.
Initial investigation revealed that the victims were riding a red Honda Click motorcycle with plate number 137KVY en route to San Fernando when armed assailants suddenly opened fire on them. Both men were killed on the spot. Authorities recovered more than 20 spent shells of an unidentified firearm from the crime scene.
Friends of the victims disclosed that Jardinico and Paskin were best friends, and that Paskin had just returned from Manila the day before the incident.
In a statement, the Bukidnon Police Provincial Office (BPPO) strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a “brutal and senseless act of violence” that has no place in the community.
“We assure the public that we are exerting all efforts to pursue the perpetrators of this crime and bring them to justice. A hot pursuit operation is currently underway, complemented by dragnet operations coordinated with nearby police stations,” the BPPO said.
The police added that Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) have been deployed to gather evidence and establish the facts of the case.
Authorities urged the public to remain calm but vigilant and to cooperate by sharing any information that could aid in resolving the case.
The motive behind the attack remains under investigation.