CARMEN, Davao del Norte — A man was shot dead in broad daylight after being attacked by three armed suspects in Purok 3B, Barangay Sto. Niño, in the municipality of Carmen on February 26, 2026, prompting a rapid police operation that led to the arrest of all three alleged assailants.
Authorities identified the victim as Patrick Bacalso, a trailer driver and resident of Purok 1A in the same barangay. Earlier reports initially referred to him by the alias “Pat,” but police later confirmed his identity following an investigation.
According to the report from the Carmen Municipal Police Station, the shooting occurred at around 1:10 p.m. while Bacalso was buying rice at a small store in the area. Witnesses said a silver Toyota Fortuner suddenly stopped near the store, and three men stepped out and approached the victim.
Initial findings revealed that the suspects confronted Bacalso, leading to a brief scuffle. The victim attempted to flee, but one of the suspects opened fire, hitting him multiple times in different parts of his body. Responding medical personnel tried to administer first aid, but Bacalso was declared dead at the scene due to the severity of his gunshot wounds.
After the attack, the suspects quickly fled the area aboard the same vehicle, heading toward Panabo City. Police immediately launched a hot pursuit operation after identifying the getaway vehicle and broadcasting the information to nearby units.
Personnel from the Panabo City Police Station and other provincial units coordinated a dragnet operation following orders from the leadership of the Davao del Norte Police Provincial Office. The operation resulted in the successful interception of the suspect vehicle and the arrest of the three individuals believed to be responsible for the killing.
Police identified the arrested suspects only by their aliases:
- Alias “Nicanor,” a businessman and resident of Cabantian, Davao City
- Alias “John,” a driver from Tugbok District, Davao City
- Alias “Aldrin,” a truck helper and resident of Cabantian, Davao City
During the arrest, authorities confiscated several items believed to be linked to the crime, including a black sling bag, a Pietro Beretta caliber 9mm short pistol, a magazine loaded with ammunition, seven additional rounds of live ammunition, and the silver Toyota Fortuner used in the escape.
Investigators said personal conflict is being considered as one of the possible motives behind the killing, although authorities emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing to determine other angles and establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack.
The suspects are now under police custody and are expected to face charges of murder. Officials said the swift arrest was the result of coordinated police action and immediate response following the shooting incident.
Local authorities assured residents that law enforcement units remain vigilant in maintaining peace and order, urging the public to continue cooperating with police by reporting suspicious activities that may help prevent similar violent incidents in the community.