GENERAL SANTOS CITY — A 51-year-old sikad driver was shot dead following an altercation in the early hours of Saturday, September 5, 2026, along Yumang Street corner Andrade Street in Barangay San Isidro, General Santos City.
The victim was identified as Rogelio Garde, 51, a resident of Barangay City Heights, General Santos City.
Police identified the arrested suspect as alias “Pablito,” 67, reportedly a former member of the Philippine Army and a resident of Andrade Subdivision in Barangay City Heights.
According to Police Lieutenant Ferdinand Sahagun, deputy station commander of Police Station 4, the shooting stemmed from a confrontation between Garde and the suspect shortly before the gunfire erupted.
Suspect allegedly tried to join drinking group
Based on the initial police investigation, Garde was drinking with two male companions outside a convenience store in the area during the early morning hours.
The suspect, who was reportedly drinking at another table, allegedly approached Garde and his companions and attempted to join their drinking session.
The group reportedly declined the suspect’s request.
Police said the situation became tense after Garde allegedly complained about the suspect’s manner of speaking and behavior. A store worker reportedly intervened and asked the suspect to move away from the group, eventually having him sit at another table.
The confrontation, however, allegedly resumed several minutes later.
The suspect reportedly approached Garde again, leading to another argument between the two men. During the confrontation, the suspect allegedly pulled out a firearm and shot Garde.
Victim rushed to hospital but later died
Garde was immediately brought to a hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite efforts to save his life, the victim succumbed to his gunshot wounds shortly after 6 a.m., according to the information provided by police.
The incident has since prompted a continuing investigation by Police Station 4 as authorities work to establish the complete circumstances surrounding the shooting and determine the appropriate criminal charges against the suspect.
Suspect arrested, firearm recovered
Police reported that the suspected gunman was successfully arrested and is now under the custody of Police Station 4 in General Santos City.
The firearm allegedly used in the shooting was also recovered. According to the information gathered by investigators, the weapon was reportedly discarded by the suspect in a grassy area following the incident before it was later turned over by members of his family.
Authorities are continuing to gather physical and testimonial evidence as part of the investigation.
Police have yet to disclose further details regarding the exact nature of the argument or other circumstances that may have preceded the shooting.
The case remains under investigation, and the suspect’s alleged involvement remains subject to the ongoing police inquiry and the appropriate legal proceedings.