KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — A 53-year-old driver was shot dead by still unidentified assailants while sitting outside his home in Purok Upper Valley, Barangay Sto. Niño, Koronadal City, late Tuesday night, December 23, just two days before Christmas.
The victim was identified as Renante “Boyet” Ostique Buyco, a married man, driver by profession, and a resident of the city, according to the Koronadal City Police Station. Police said the incident occurred at around 10:40 p.m., when Buyco was reportedly seated outside his house and was suddenly approached and shot at close range.
Initial investigation revealed that the suspects, who were reportedly riding a motorcycle, opened fire without warning, hitting Buyco multiple times in different parts of his body. After the shooting, the assailants immediately fled toward an unknown direction.
Buyco was rushed to the Dr. Arturo Pingoy Medical Center but was declared dead on arrival by attending physicians due to multiple gunshot wounds.
Koronadal City Police Chief Lt. Col. Peter L. Pinalgan Jr. said authorities are intensifying their investigation to identify the perpetrators and establish the motive behind the killing. Police are also reviewing possible CCTV footage in the area and are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward.
The deadly shooting has alarmed residents, especially as it occurred just days before Christmas, prompting renewed calls for vigilance and community cooperation to help bring the perpetrators to justice.