STA. CRUZ, Davao del Sur — A house contractor who allegedly opened fire on a married couple along the National Highway in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur was arrested following a swift hot pursuit operation conducted by local police on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
The Davao del Sur Police Provincial Office (DSPPO), through the Sta. Cruz Municipal Police Station (MPS), identified the suspect as Roger Lamban Maningo, a resident of Barangay Zone 4, Sta. Cruz. He was apprehended at around 7:45 p.m. while riding a gray Ford Ranger pick-up truck along the National Highway in Barangay Darong, in front of the barangay hall.
The victims were identified as Arnel Cascolan Montero, 45, and Villa Twinky Pabiona Montero, 52, both residents of Buhangin, Davao City and subcontractors of an online shopping platform. According to police, the couple had traveled to Sta. Cruz earlier that day aboard a white Suzuki Hustler, accompanied by a Bongo truck, to retrieve their furniture and personal belongings from the suspect in Poblacion, Sta. Cruz.
Initial investigation revealed that at around 2:00 p.m., while the victims were traversing the National Highway in Barangay Astorga near Crossing Tubison, they were suddenly fired upon by the suspect, who was riding a white Yamaha XTZ 150 motorcycle and wearing a black jacket. Authorities said the suspect allegedly used a .38 caliber short firearm during the attack.
The victims’ vehicle sustained four gunshot hits—three in the front portion and one on the right side. Fortunately, the couple was not physically injured. However, a passing Mitsubishi Mirage was also struck by a stray bullet, resulting in damage to its windshield and raising concerns over the danger posed to other motorists.
Police investigator PMSG Frederick Lanario disclosed that the suspect later admitted harboring resentment toward the victims, allegedly due to disagreements over the terms and conditions of a housing project they were involved in. Authorities believe this dispute may have triggered the violent attack.
Upon receiving the report, personnel of the Sta. Cruz MPS immediately conducted an ocular inspection at the crime scene while intelligence operatives launched a manhunt operation. Several hours later, duty patrollers successfully flagged down and arrested the suspect in Barangay Darong.
The suspect was brought to the Sta. Cruz Municipal Police Station for proper disposition. The vehicle he was using at the time of arrest was impounded as evidence, and he was subjected to paraffin testing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police said Maningo is now under custody and may face charges of Frustrated Murder and Illegal Possession of Firearm, pending the filing of formal complaints and further case build-up.
In a statement, the DSPPO assured the public of its unwavering commitment to swift law enforcement response and the maintenance of peace and order in the province.
“The immediate arrest of the suspect reflects our dedication to protect the public and hold accountable those who endanger lives,” the provincial police office said.
Authorities also urged residents to immediately report suspicious activities and cooperate with law enforcement to help prevent similar incidents in the future.