POLOMOLOK, South Cotabato — A utility worker was killed in a shooting incident involving a bank security guard along the National Highway in Barangay Magsaysay, Polomolok, on Thursday afternoon, January 23, 2026, authorities confirmed.
The fatality was identified as Gino (also reported as Geno) Castor, 26, a janitor/utility worker at the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP). Castor, a resident of Barangay Aflik, T’Boli, South Cotabato, sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the body and was declared dead at the scene, according to initial police reports.
The suspect was identified as Mark Anthony Maral (also reported as Manal), 24, a security guard assigned to the bank and a resident of Barangay Sulit/Bayan Subdivision, Polomolok. After shooting the victim, the suspect allegedly turned the firearm on himself, shooting his own head. He was immediately rushed to a hospital and remains under medical care.
Police said the incident occurred at around 5:30 p.m. near the DBP branch along the National Highway in Barangay Magsaysay. Responding officers from the Philippine National Police secured the area and recovered evidence as part of the ongoing investigation.
In an emotional statement, the victim’s live-in partner, Mariandel Marcelina, described Castor as a kind and hardworking man. She said there had been no known dispute between the victim and the suspect and expressed shock over the incident, noting that the security guard had reportedly helped Castor obtain his job. “Wala gyud koy nahibal-an nga nagbingkil sila,” she said, adding that she could not understand what could have driven the suspect to commit the act.
Authorities stressed that the motive remains unclear. Investigators from the Polomolok Municipal Police Station are continuing their probe, including interviews with witnesses, review of CCTV footage, and coordination with the bank’s management and the security agency involved.
Police assured the public that updates will be released as soon as verified information becomes available, as the case remains under active investigation.