DAVAO CITY — A police response to a reported hit-and-run incident on Thursday night, April 9, 2026, escalated into a separate armed confrontation, resulting in the arrest of a suspect for illegal discharge of firearms in Matina, this city.
Personnel from the Ecoland Police Station 15 were dispatched at around 8:00 p.m. to Valdeviso Compound, Subli Corner Pagtatahip Streets, Lanzona Subdivision, following reports of a hit-and-run case. Upon arrival, authorities found that bystanders had already administered first aid to the injured victim, who had yet to be formally identified by responding officers.
Moments after securing the scene, police officers were startled by a series of successive gunshots emanating from a nearby area. The sudden outbreak of gunfire prompted the traffic investigator on site to immediately call for backup, triggering a swift response from additional police units.
Authorities subsequently apprehended a suspect identified only as alias “Eric,” a 45-year-old resident of the same locality. Recovered from his possession were a suspected caliber .45 pistol and a magazine, which are now under police custody for forensic examination.
Police have yet to determine whether the shooting incident was directly connected to the earlier hit-and-run case or if it was an unrelated occurrence. Investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding both incidents, including identifying the hit-and-run suspect and verifying the legality of the firearm seized from the arrested individual.
The suspect is expected to face charges for illegal discharge of firearms, while additional charges may be filed pending the outcome of further investigation.
Authorities continue to urge witnesses and residents with relevant information to cooperate with investigators to help bring clarity and accountability to the incidents.