GENERAL SANTOS CITY — A security guard was killed while another was wounded after they were shot during a violent incident believed to be connected to an ongoing land conflict in Barangay Labangal, General Santos City on the morning of Wednesday, July 8, 2026. Police later arrested a suspect in a hot pursuit operation and seized several high-powered firearms believed to have been used in the attack.
The fatality was identified as Wilson Villajuan, 60, a resident of Sapu Padidu, Malapatan, Sarangani Province. Villajuan was one of the security guards assigned to secure a parcel of land reportedly owned by the Espina family.
Authorities said another security guard sustained injuries in the shooting and was rushed to a hospital for medical treatment. His condition has not yet been officially disclosed.
Tension Before the Shooting
Initial investigation by Police Station 2 of the General Santos City Police Office revealed that a confrontation allegedly erupted earlier that morning between security personnel assigned to two opposing groups claiming ownership of adjacent properties in the area.
The confrontation reportedly escalated into gunfire along the National Highway in Purok Olarte, Barangay Labangal, resulting in Villajuan’s death and injuries to his fellow guard.
Police have yet to release a definitive account of how the shooting unfolded as investigators continue gathering witness statements and forensic evidence.
Widow Believes Land Conflict Triggered the Killing
The victim’s wife believes the attack was directly connected to the longstanding land dispute surrounding the property her husband was guarding.
According to her, Villajuan had been assigned to secure land claimed by the Espina family, while another group identified as the Olarte family also asserts ownership over the same property.
She said the competing claims have created persistent tension in the area, leading her to believe that the fatal shooting was motivated by the ongoing land conflict.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the land dispute was indeed the motive and emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing.
Suspect Arrested Hours After Attack
Shortly after the shooting, police launched a hot pursuit operation that resulted in the arrest of a man identified only as a sikad (pedicab) driver.
The suspect was apprehended near the boundary of Purok Olarte and Purok Mudia in Barangay Labangal.
During the operation, authorities recovered a sack containing nine long firearms, believed to be of high caliber. Investigators are examining whether the weapons were used in the shooting.
Despite his arrest, the suspect strongly denied any involvement in the crime and rejected the accusations against him.
Investigation Continues
Police are now conducting ballistic examinations, forensic processing, and follow-up interviews to determine the exact motive behind the attack and to establish whether other individuals participated in the shooting.
Investigators are also verifying the ownership of the recovered firearms and determining whether additional suspects remain at large.
The arrested suspect is currently under police custody while authorities prepare the appropriate criminal charges.
Police have yet to release the identities of any additional persons of interest as the investigation into the deadly shooting continues.