A 60-year-old miner was killed while his companion was wounded after they were ambushed by unidentified armed men on Wednesday afternoon, March 11, 2026, in Sitio Bongco, Barangay Calapagan, Lupon, Davao Oriental.
The fatality was identified as Perlito Flores, 60, a miner and a native of Lanao del Norte. His companion, Jumie Masunag, 32, also a miner and a resident of Panlaysan, Barangay Sangab in Caraga, Davao Oriental, sustained injuries in the attack.
Initial police investigation revealed that the two miners were riding a motorcycle from a tunnel site in Sitio Bangol, Barangay Tubaon, and were heading toward Barangay Calapagan when unidentified suspects suddenly opened fire on them at around 2:00 p.m.
Flores, who was reportedly the owner of the mining tunnel, died from multiple gunshot wounds. Masunag, who was riding with him, was wounded during the ambush and was rushed to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
Authorities said Flores was allegedly carrying around 50 grams of gold at the time of the attack. Reports also indicated that the assailants took several items from the victim, including the gold, a bag, wristwatch, wallet, and approximately 6.5 kilograms of ash used in gold processing.
The suspects immediately fled the scene after the shooting.
Police investigators are currently conducting a thorough investigation to identify and track down the perpetrators, as well as determine the motive behind the attack. Authorities are also looking into the possibility that robbery could have been a motive, given the valuables reportedly taken from the victim.
The incident has raised concerns over safety in small-scale mining areas, where miners often transport valuable minerals and materials that can make them targets of criminal activity.
Police have urged anyone with information regarding the ambush to coordinate with authorities as the manhunt for the suspects continues.