GENERAL SANTOS CITY — Alarm and growing frustration continue to grip residents of General Santos City following another shooting incident in Barangay Fatima that left a 61-year-old senior citizen seriously wounded, further intensifying calls for stronger security measures and greater accountability in addressing the city’s worsening peace and order situation.
The victim, identified as Tranquilino Januto, a resident of Employees Extension, Barangay Fatima, was shot at around 11:30 p.m. on February 4, 2026, while drinking with relatives and friends outside a residence in Purok 18 Extension, Block 2.
According to police reports and eyewitness accounts, Januto and several companions were having a drinking session when a tricycle passed by their location. One of his companions reportedly used a flashlight to illuminate the vehicle. Moments later, two unidentified individuals riding in tandem on a motorcycle appeared and suddenly opened fire.
Januto was hit at the back of the neck, with the bullet exiting through his mouth. Other accounts said he also sustained gunshot wounds to his face and leg. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where he remains confined and under close medical observation. Hospital authorities said he is currently in stable condition.
Family members and friends insisted that Januto had no known enemies and was not involved in any dispute. His son, known as “CJ,” said the family believes his father was not the intended target.
“We don’t know why this happened. Wala man siyay kaaway,” he said. “Murag sayop ra mi sa lugar ug oras.”
Another witness, identified as “Junjun,” said the suspects may have panicked after being noticed and fired indiscriminately.
“We think their plan was disturbed, mao nga nangbuthan na lang sila,” he said.
Witnesses also noted that the back rider appeared to have a feminine build, raising the possibility that a woman may have been involved in the attack.
Third Shooting in February Raises Alarm
The incident is at least the third reported shooting in General Santos City this February, alarming residents who fear that gun violence is becoming more frequent and more unpredictable.
Community members in Barangay Fatima said they are now living in fear, especially since the victim was a senior citizen and a simple tricycle driver with no criminal record.
“Kung ordinaryong tawo mahimo na lang pusilon, unsa pa kaha mi?” said one resident.
Local business owners also expressed concern that repeated shootings are hurting economic activity, as customers avoid going out at night and establishments close earlier for safety reasons.
Questions on Proper Use of Confidential Funds
As public anxiety grows, residents and civic groups are now raising questions about whether the city’s confidential fund is being used in the right and most effective way, particularly in addressing the series of shooting incidents.
While authorities have repeatedly assured the public that confidential funds are allocated for intelligence gathering, surveillance, and security operations, many citizens are now asking whether these resources are translating into concrete results.
“Dili man mi nagaingon nga walay pondo,” said a community leader. “Ang pangutana, sakto ba gyud ang paggamit? Nakapugong ba sa krimen?”
Critics argue that despite the availability of confidential funds, riding-in-tandem attacks and unsolved shootings continue to occur, suggesting possible gaps in intelligence coordination, monitoring, and preventive action.
They are also calling for greater transparency and oversight, within legal limits, to ensure that public money is being spent for its intended purpose—protecting lives and maintaining peace and order.
Calls for Action, Not Just Promises
Residents are urging city officials and law enforcement agencies to move beyond public assurances and take concrete, visible action.
They are demanding:
- Stronger police presence in high-risk areas
- More frequent night patrols
- Improved intelligence coordination
- Expanded CCTV coverage
- Faster resolution of shooting cases
- Clearer reporting on peace and order initiatives
“Kapoy na paminaw og saad,” said one shop owner. “Ang gusto namo, solusyon dayon.”
Community leaders warned that failure to act decisively could further erode public trust and embolden criminal elements.
Police Investigation Continues
The General Santos City Police Office said it is continuing its investigation and has launched a manhunt operation to identify the suspects.
Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from nearby establishments and gathering additional witness statements to determine the motive and identities of the attackers.
As of this writing, no arrests have been made.
City on Edge
For many residents, the shooting of Tranquilino Januto is a painful reminder that violence can strike even in quiet neighborhoods and affect ordinary citizens.
“This could have been anyone’s father or grandfather,” said a neighbor. “Dili ni dapat mahitabo kung lig-on ang seguridad.”
As fear and frustration mount, the people of General Santos City are sending a clear message to authorities: public safety must be prioritized, confidential funds must be used effectively, and justice must be delivered swiftly—before more innocent lives are put at risk.