DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur — A 35-year-old waitress was seriously wounded after a gunman posing as a customer opened fire on her inside a local eatery shortly after noon on Sunday, July 5, before escaping with an accomplice, prompting an intensive police manhunt.
The victim, identified as Letty Porgatorio Sayon, 35, a waitress at JL Eatery and a native of Purok Banda, Barangay Bagong Silang, Maragusan, Davao de Oro, sustained three gunshot wounds after the suspect suddenly pulled out a firearm while pretending to place an order.
Police said the shooting occurred at around 12:20 p.m. inside JL Eatery along Tiradpas Street, Barangay Zone 3, Digos City. A concerned citizen reported the incident to the Digos City Police Station at approximately 12:24 p.m.
Responding personnel from the Digos City Police Station, led by Officer of the Day PMAJ Aizzel A. Alvarez under the supervision of PLTCOL Norman L. Yparraguirre, immediately proceeded to the scene to secure the area and conduct an initial investigation.
According to investigators, the suspect entered the eatery pretending to be a regular customer. While Sayon was taking his order, the man suddenly drew a handgun and fired three shots at close range.
The victim was hit in the left chest, right chest, and left arm, causing her to collapse inside the establishment.
Responders from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) rushed to the scene and immediately transported the victim to the Davao del Sur Provincial Hospital, where she remains confined. Police said she is currently in stable condition and continues to receive medical treatment.
Authorities described the gunman as a medium-built male, estimated to be 40 to 50 years old and standing approximately 4 feet 11 inches to 5 feet tall. He was reportedly wearing a blue maong jacket and a white helmet during the attack.
After the shooting, the suspect fled on foot before boarding a black Yamaha Mio Max motorcycle without a license plate, which was driven by another unidentified accomplice. The two suspects escaped toward Luna Street in Barangay Zone 3.
Police immediately launched dragnet checkpoints and hot pursuit operations in an effort to identify and arrest the fleeing suspects.
Crime scene investigators recovered three fired .45-caliber cartridge cases and two fired bullets from the area. The ballistic evidence has been submitted for laboratory examination and cross-matching to determine whether the firearm had been used in previous crimes.
Investigators have yet to establish a definitive motive behind the attack. However, initial findings indicate that personal grudge is among the angles being explored.
Police are also verifying reports that the victim had previously figured in a dispute with another individual in Barangay Zone 3 in March, a case that was reportedly brought before the barangay for mediation but remained unresolved after the parties failed to reach an agreement.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and that all possible leads are being pursued.
The Digos City Police Station appealed to the public to assist in the investigation by providing any information that could lead to the identification and arrest of the suspects.
“Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to coordinate with the nearest police station or directly contact the assigned Investigator-on-Case,” the police said, stressing that public cooperation is crucial in bringing the perpetrators to justice and maintaining peace and order in the community.