GENERAL SANTOS CITY — A 48-year-old mechanic remains under close medical observation after surviving a brazen shooting inside his own vulcanizing and repair shop in Barangay Labangal on Wednesday night, in an attack that police believe may be linked to an ongoing land dispute.
The victim, identified only by the alias “Harry,” sustained gunshot wounds to the forehead and left arm after he was attacked by still-unidentified assailants at around 9:00 p.m. inside his shop in Purok Soling, Olarte State, Barangay Labangal.
According to investigators, the gunmen entered the shop without warning and immediately opened fire before fleeing in an unknown direction. Despite being struck in the head, the victim miraculously survived the attack.
Initial reports indicated that the suspects fired multiple shots. Witnesses recalled that the attackers wasted no time in carrying out the assault before escaping, leaving the victim seriously wounded.
The victim was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he remains in stable but guarded condition.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the incident was the victim’s survival after being shot in the forehead. Witnesses and relatives said the bullet did not penetrate deeply into his skull. Reports even indicated that the victim was able to remove the lodged bullet himself before being transported to the hospital for treatment.
Police said the victim’s condition has since improved, allowing investigators to begin gathering crucial information regarding the attack.
Land dispute emerges as primary angle
Major Ari Noel Cardos, chief of the Makar Police Station, said investigators are currently focusing on a land conflict as the primary motive behind the attempted killing.
According to Cardos, the victim had been tasked by his employer to watch over a parcel of land, a responsibility that investigators believe may have triggered the attack.
Authorities also disclosed that, based on statements from the victim’s family, Harry had previously revealed that he knew individuals who had allegedly threatened him before the shooting.
Police believe these pieces of information could significantly help identify those responsible.
Investigators expressed confidence that the case could be solved soon, especially now that the victim has survived the attack and may be able to provide authorities with vital information about the gunmen.
Witness account
Rosalie, a companion of the victim, told police that Harry was inside the shop when one of the armed men suddenly entered and fired at him at close range. The suspects then quickly fled before anyone could intervene.
The attack has alarmed residents of Barangay Labangal, where violent crimes are relatively uncommon.
Investigation continues
Crime scene investigators have already recovered pieces of evidence from the area while authorities continue reviewing possible witness accounts and other available leads to identify and arrest the suspects.
Police have not yet disclosed the caliber of the firearm used in the attack and have yet to determine whether the assailants were hired gunmen or individuals personally connected to the alleged land dispute.
Authorities are urging anyone with information that could help solve the case to coordinate with the Makar Police Station as the investigation remains ongoing.