DAVAO CITY — Grief-stricken family members are calling for justice following the fatal shooting of Leo Cernal Tingocia, a 48-year-old businessman who was gunned down at around 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, in Muslim Village, Kilometer 11, Barangay Sasa, Davao City.
According to initial police reports, residents heard a loud gunshot and later found Tingocia lying lifeless on the road with a gunshot wound to the forehead. Responding officers from Sasa Police Station 4 arrived after a resident contacted Central 911.
In an interview, Bebilyn Tingocia, the victim’s wife, said she is seeking justice for her husband’s death. She recounted that before the shooting, her husband informed her that he needed to go out briefly, but he never returned home. When she tried calling his phone, a police officer answered—confirming her worst fears.
Mrs. Tingocia said her husband had not received any threats and was focused solely on their buy-and-sell business. His remains are currently at Rivera Funeral Parlor in Sasa.
The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has intensified its investigation into the killing. Police Captain Hazel Caballero-Tuazon, DCPO spokesperson, said authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from the area to identify the gunman.
Tuazon added that cooperation from the victim’s family would significantly aid in the ongoing investigation. She also noted that it remains unclear how many suspects were involved and that the motive behind the shooting has yet to be established.
Police continue to appeal to the public for any information that may help solve the case.