DIPOLOG CITY, Zamboanga del Norte — A 34-year-old businessman and owner of Zackz Grill House was shot dead by unidentified riding-in-tandem assailants in front of his establishment along Capitol Avenue, Purok Bayanihan, Igot, Barangay Estaka, on the night of June 24, 2026.
The victim, a married resident of the area and proprietor of the popular grill house, was reportedly sitting outside his business establishment at around 8:36 p.m. when two armed men riding a black XRM motorcycle approached and opened fire on him.
According to the initial police investigation, the gunmen immediately fled the scene after the attack, leaving the victim critically wounded. Responding personnel from the Dipolog City Police Station, including patrol officers, investigators, and emergency responders, rushed to the area following a 911 call received at approximately 8:37 p.m.
Authorities said police units arrived within a minute of receiving the report and found the victim lying face down about 14 meters away from his establishment. He had sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
The victim was immediately transported to Zanorte Medical Center for emergency treatment. However, despite efforts to save his life, he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
The brazen attack has alarmed residents and business owners in the area, as the shooting occurred in a populated commercial zone during evening business hours.
In a statement, the Dipolog City Police Station said a thorough investigation is now underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
Police immediately launched hot pursuit and dragnet operations in coordination with neighboring law enforcement units following the incident. Crime scene investigators from the Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Forensic Unit were also deployed to process the scene and collect evidence that could help solve the case.
Investigators are currently reviewing available closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, interviewing witnesses, and conducting intelligence operations to determine the identities of the suspects and establish the motive behind the killing.
Authorities have yet to determine the exact motive, but investigators said they are exploring all possible angles, including personal conflicts, business-related disputes, and other potential motives.
The incident is being investigated as a possible murder case.
The Dipolog City Police Station assured the public that all available resources are being utilized to ensure the immediate identification and arrest of those responsible for the killing.
Police are also appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or possesses information that could aid the investigation to coordinate with the nearest police station or directly contact the Dipolog City Police Station.
The latest shooting adds to concerns over riding-in-tandem attacks, a recurring crime pattern in several parts of the country, where motorcycle-riding gunmen target victims before quickly escaping from crime scenes.
As investigators continue to pursue leads, the victim’s family, friends, and members of the local business community are calling for justice and the swift arrest of those behind the fatal attack.