TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte — A 53-year-old gold panner was shot dead by two unidentified gunmen while searching for gold along the banks of the Hijo River in Purok 6B, Barangay Apokon, Tagum City, on Thursday afternoon, June 25.
The victim, identified only by the alias “Manolo,” was a resident of the area and was reportedly living with his live-in partner.
According to the initial investigation conducted by the Tagum City Police Station, the victim was prospecting for gold along the river with his live-in partner at around 2:00 p.m. when two unidentified armed men suddenly arrived on a black Honda TMX motorcycle without a license plate.
Without warning, the suspects allegedly opened fire on the victim multiple times before immediately fleeing the scene on board the motorcycle.
Responding police officers found the victim with multiple gunshot wounds to the head and different parts of his body. He was declared dead at the scene due to the severity of his injuries.
Crime scene investigators recovered three spent shell casings and one live round believed to have been fired from a .45-caliber pistol.
Authorities are pursuing all possible leads to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. Based on the initial investigation, police said personal grudge or revenge is among the angles being considered as a possible motive behind the killing. However, investigators emphasized that they have not ruled out other possible motives as the investigation continues.
The victim’s remains were brought to Rubio Memorial Services for proper disposition and funeral preparations.
Police have appealed to the public, particularly anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or has information regarding the identities or whereabouts of the suspects, to cooperate with authorities to help expedite the resolution of the case.
The fatal attack marks another gun-related incident in Tagum City, highlighting the continuing challenge faced by law enforcement in tracking down armed assailants and bringing them to justice.