KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — A 22-year-old man was shot dead allegedly by his own older brother following a heated argument during a drinking session in Purok Mabinuligon, Barangay Topland, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, on Friday night, August 21, 2026.
The victim was identified by the Koronadal City Police Station as Jimmy Aligo, 22, while the alleged gunman was identified as his 32-year-old older brother, known by the alias “Vicente.” Police said both brothers were originally from Bohol and were currently residing in Barangay Topland.
The shooting occurred at around 7:15 p.m., according to the initial police report.
Drinking session turns deadly
Police said the brothers had been drinking together since around 5 p.m. when their conversation reportedly turned into an argument.
The disagreement allegedly escalated until Vicente shot his younger brother.
Aligo sustained three gunshot wounds to his body and was reportedly declared dead at the scene.
Investigators recovered two spent cartridges believed to be from a caliber .45 firearm at the crime scene. Police have yet to establish the complete circumstances surrounding the shooting, including what triggered the argument and whether the firearm was legally registered.
Suspect taken into police custody
Following the incident, Vicente was taken into custody by the Koronadal City Police Station and is currently being held at the police custodial facility pending the appropriate legal proceedings.
Police said the suspect reportedly expressed remorse over what happened.
The initial police report indicated that a murder complaint would be filed against the suspect. The exact charge, however, remains subject to the findings of investigators and the determination of prosecutors based on the available evidence and circumstances of the case.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to establish the sequence of events that led to the fatal shooting and to determine the circumstances surrounding the possession and use of the firearm.
The incident highlights how a dispute between family members can rapidly escalate into deadly violence, particularly when firearms are involved.
Police have not released additional details regarding the motive or whether other individuals witnessed the confrontation. Further information is expected as the investigation progresses.