NEW CORELLA, Davao del Norte — A Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) supervisor was shot dead by still-unidentified assailants in a brazen early-morning attack on Monday, December 29, 2025, in Purok 4-A, Barangay Limbaan, this town.
The victim was identified as Dave Cutin, 48, a BPAT supervisor and resident of Purok 3, Barangay Limbaan. According to the New Corella Municipal Police Station, Cutin was on his way to his farm from his residence, riding a motorcycle, when the shooting occurred at around 6:25 a.m. near Limbaan National High School.
Initial police investigation revealed that Cutin was confronted by two suspects wearing bonnets and riding a black-and-white XR motorcycle. The suspects allegedly opened fire as the victim attempted to flee. Despite being hit by a bullet, Cutin managed to drive his motorcycle for approximately 150 meters before losing control and collapsing near a house, where he was later found lifeless.
Personnel from the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) immediately processed the crime scene and recovered four fired cartridge cases, believed to have come from a .45 caliber firearm, along with several personal belongings of the victim.
Authorities said the suspects fled in an unknown direction following the attack. Police have launched a full-scale investigation to determine the motive behind the killing and identify those responsible. Follow-up operations are also underway, with coordination among neighboring police units to track down and arrest the suspects.
The killing of Cutin has raised concerns over the safety of barangay peacekeeping personnel, as local authorities vow to intensify patrols and law enforcement operations to prevent similar incidents in the area.