TAGUM CITY — A former city council candidate was shot in broad daylight in front of Liceo de Davao along Briz District, Barangay Magugpo East, Tagum City, shortly after 10 a.m. on Tuesday, January 28, triggering alarm among students, teachers, and nearby residents.
The victim was identified as Lyster Guzman Payot, who previously ran for city councilor in Tagum City during the 2025 midterm elections.
Police investigators who rushed to the scene recovered several spent bullet shells, indicating that multiple shots were fired. Authorities immediately cordoned off the area as forensic teams conducted an on-site examination and gathered evidence.
According to initial police reports and witness accounts, the suspects were riding a black motorcycle and fled the scene immediately after the shooting. Their identities and direction of escape remain unknown as of this writing.
The Tagum City Police Station said it is actively pursuing all leads, including reviewing possible CCTV footage in the area and determining the motive behind the attack. Investigators are also looking into whether the incident may be politically motivated, given the victim’s previous participation in local elections.
Classes and activities in the vicinity were briefly disrupted following the incident, as police secured the area to ensure public safety.
Authorities have urged anyone with information related to the shooting to coordinate with the Tagum City Police, assuring that all tips will be treated with utmost confidentiality.
The incident adds to growing concerns over public safety and gun violence in the region, particularly when such attacks occur in highly populated and sensitive areas such as school zones.