TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte — A man was shot dead in a brazen broad daylight attack in Purok Makabayan, Barangay San Isidro on Saturday afternoon, April 25, 2026, prompting an intensified manhunt by authorities.
The victim, identified only by his alias “Tagalog,” was a panday (blacksmith) and resident of Purok Bantakan in the same barangay, according to Barangay Captain Filadelfa Castillo.
Initial police investigation revealed that the victim was driving his motorcycle when unidentified gunmen suddenly opened fire. Despite sustaining gunshot wounds, the victim reportedly managed to flee for a short distance. However, he was chased by armed assailants riding motorcycles who continued firing at him until he collapsed.
He suffered multiple gunshot wounds in different parts of his body, resulting in his immediate death at the scene.
Responding personnel from the Tagum City Police Station conducted a scene-of-the-crime operation while launching a follow-up investigation to identify and locate the suspects, who remain at large as of this writing.
Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the killing, and investigators are currently pursuing all possible angles, including personal grudges and other potential links.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has called on the public to remain vigilant and to cooperate by providing any information that may help in solving the case.
“This was a deliberate and violent act carried out in a public area. We urge anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has relevant information to come forward,” police said.