BAYUGAN CITY, Agusan del Sur — A 48-year-old man from Compostela, Davao de Oro, was shot dead by two unidentified assailants while visiting the home of his brother-in-law in Purok 4B, Barangay Bucac, Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur, on Tuesday evening, September 15, 2026.
The victim, identified only by the alias “Melbert,” was reportedly sitting beside the doorway of his brother-in-law’s house at around 8:40 p.m. when two unidentified individuals arrived on board a single motorcycle.
Based on the initial investigation by the Bayugan Component City Police Station, one of the suspects reportedly approached the victim and fired several shots using a .45-caliber handgun, striking him in different parts of the body.
The suspects immediately fled the area aboard the motorcycle and escaped toward an undetermined direction.
The victim was rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency medical attention but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
Police recovered three spent .45-caliber shell casings from the crime scene, which were documented and taken as part of the ongoing investigation.
Recent Return From Davao City
Investigators are also looking into information provided by the victim’s in-law, who reportedly said that Melbert had recently returned from Davao City shortly before the shooting.
According to the relative, the victim had allegedly mentioned that he had been involved in an argument with an unidentified individual in Davao City before returning to Agusan del Sur.
Police are examining whether the reported altercation could be connected to the shooting. At this stage, authorities are reportedly considering personal grudge or retaliation as a possible motive, although the motive has not yet been conclusively established.
Police Pursuing Suspects
The identities and whereabouts of the two suspects remain unknown.
Authorities are continuing to gather statements, examine the evidence recovered at the scene, and establish the circumstances leading to the killing. Investigators are also expected to determine whether the suspects had been following the victim or had prior knowledge of his location at the residence.
Police have urged anyone with information that could help identify the suspects or clarify the circumstances of the shooting to coordinate with the investigating authorities.
The case remains under investigation, and the identities of the perpetrators, as well as the definitive motive for the killing, have yet to be established.