KIBAWE, Bukidnon — A 53-year-old farmer was shot dead by an unidentified gunman in a brazen early morning attack along Sayre Highway in Barangay Labuagon, Kibawe, on April 15, 2026, police reported.
The victim, identified only by his aliases “Edward” and “Eddie,” was a resident of Purok 4, Lumbayao, Barangay Gutapol in the same municipality. He was riding his black motorcycle and heading toward the town proper when the incident occurred at around 6:30 to 6:45 a.m.
Initial police investigation revealed that upon reaching a portion of Sayre Highway—particularly near the NGCP-Kibawe Substation—the victim was flagged down by a still unidentified suspect. Without warning, the assailant shot the victim in the head using a yet-to-be-determined firearm.
The attacker immediately fled the scene on foot, heading north, leaving the victim critically wounded on the roadside.
Responding rescue personnel rushed the victim to Bukidnon Provincial Hospital in Kibawe, but he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician due to a fatal gunshot wound to the head.
Crime scene investigators recovered at least one spent shell casing from an undetermined firearm, along with the victim’s motorcycle. Authorities have requested assistance from the Provincial Forensic Unit (PFU) of Bukidnon for further processing and evidence analysis.
The Kibawe Municipal Police Station, led by Officer-in-Charge Police Captain Leonila Vicente, promptly responded to the incident and has since launched a hot pursuit operation to track down the suspect.
Police disclosed that a person of interest has already been identified, although details have yet to be made public as the investigation continues. Authorities are also working to establish the motive behind the killing.
The Provincial Director has ordered a thorough and expedited investigation to ensure the immediate arrest of the perpetrator and the swift resolution of the case. Meanwhile, “Oplan Shield” has been activated to strengthen security measures in the area.
Police are urging the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious individuals or activities that may aid in the identification and arrest of the suspect.
“The cooperation of the community is crucial in maintaining peace and order and ensuring that Bukidnon remains a safe place to live and do business,” authorities said.
As of this writing, the suspect remains at large.