TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte – A 33-year-old mechanic was shot dead inside his home in Purok 6, Lower Apokon, Tagum City, in the early hours of Tuesday, July 28, after an unidentified gunman allegedly lured him to open the door before firing multiple shots.
The victim was identified as Angelo Romanillos Palma Gil, also known as “Gelo,” a bachelor and a resident of the area.
According to the Tagum City Police Station, the incident occurred at around 1:30 a.m. after authorities received a report from 911 Central Davao regarding three loud gunshots heard by concerned residents amid heavy rainfall.
Initial police investigation revealed that an unidentified individual called out to the victim from outside his residence. Believing someone was waiting for him, Gil reportedly opened the door. Moments later, his mother heard three successive gunshots.
Responding police officers, led by PLtCol. Edgardo G. Bahan, Officer-in-Charge of the Tagum City Police Station, immediately proceeded to the scene together with investigative operatives. They found the victim already lifeless, lying inside his small shop within the residential compound. He had sustained multiple gunshot wounds in different parts of his body.
Crime Scene Operatives (SOCO) recovered several pieces of evidence from the scene, including three spent shell casings believed to be from a .45 caliber pistol, one deformed fired bullet, an improvised tooter, and a heat-sealed plastic sachet containing suspected shabu.
Investigators also recovered three necklaces, a silver wristwatch, and ₱13 in cash, which were documented as part of the evidence collected during the scene processing.
Police said they are currently pursuing two possible motives behind the killing—a personal grudge and the victim’s possible involvement in illegal drugs.
PLtCol. Bahan disclosed that investigators have already identified two persons of interest (POIs) based on information provided by the victim’s mother. Authorities are now verifying their identities and assessing their possible links to the fatal shooting.
As of this writing, the gunman remains at large.
The Tagum City Police Station has launched an intensive investigation and follow-up operations to identify and arrest the suspect, while forensic and ballistic examinations are expected to aid investigators in building the case.
The latest killing adds to the series of shooting incidents recorded in parts of Mindanao, as law enforcement authorities continue to intensify efforts against loose firearms and violent crimes in the region.