PANTUKAN, Davao de Oro — Police have arrested the two suspects allegedly responsible for the shooting of a newly graduated college student in Pantukan, Davao de Oro, following a tense hot pursuit operation that escalated into a hostage situation when one of the suspects allegedly used his own child in a desperate attempt to evade arrest.
The suspects were apprehended during a follow-up operation conducted by personnel of the Pantukan Municipal Police Station (MPS) at a boarding house in Barangay Magnaga, less than a day after the broad daylight attack that left newly graduated college student Rodney Bruce seriously wounded.
According to Pantukan MPS Chief PLTCOL Irish Hezron Parangan, police tracked down the suspects to their alleged safehouse as part of an intensified hot pursuit operation launched immediately after Thursday’s shooting.
However, instead of surrendering peacefully, one of the suspects allegedly grabbed his own child and took the child hostage in front of Magnaga National High School, which is located near the suspects’ alleged hideout, in a last-ditch effort to escape arrest.
Police officers quickly moved to contain the volatile situation while ensuring the safety of the child and nearby civilians. Authorities said they were able to pacify the suspect without further violence, resulting in the successful arrest of both suspects and the safe resolution of the hostage incident.
No injuries were reported during the hostage standoff.
Investigators believe the shooting stemmed from a personal grudge, although authorities have yet to disclose specific details regarding the motive as the investigation continues.
The suspects are expected to face frustrated murder charges, as the victim survived the attack and remains under medical care. Authorities may also file additional charges in connection with the hostage-taking incident.
The victim, Rodney Bruce, had just graduated with a Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education (BTLEd), Major in Home Economics, from Kolehiyo ng Pantukan when tragedy struck.
The shooting occurred shortly after the graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 25, while Rodney was boarding their family minivan outside the school campus in Barangay Kingking. Gunmen suddenly opened fire, hitting him four times in the head and body before fleeing the scene.
The attack shattered what should have been a joyous celebration, sending graduates, parents, teachers, and guests into panic as gunfire erupted just outside the campus.
Despite sustaining four gunshot wounds, Rodney survived the attack. Police confirmed that he is now in stable condition and continues to receive treatment at a hospital.
The swift arrest of the suspects came less than 24 hours after the shooting, following an aggressive manhunt launched by the Pantukan police.
Authorities continue to gather additional evidence to strengthen the case and determine whether other individuals may have participated in planning or carrying out the attack.
The hostage-taking incident has further shocked residents of Pantukan, with many expressing disbelief that the suspect allegedly endangered his own child while attempting to avoid capture.
Police assured the public that they remain committed to ensuring justice for the victim and holding everyone involved accountable under the law.
The investigation remains ongoing.