KAPALONG, DAVAO DEL NORTE — Police authorities have intensified their investigation and launched a hot pursuit operation following the shooting of a man along the Panabo-Tagum Circumferential Road in Barangay Luna, Kapalong, Davao del Norte, late Friday night, September 4, 2026.
The shooting occurred at approximately 10:30 p.m. in an area near a banana plantation in Crossing Luna, where the victim, identified only as alias “Yan-Yan,” was traveling aboard a black Suzuki Gixxer motorcycle with his sister.
According to the initial investigation of the Kapalong Municipal Police Station (Kapalong MPS), the siblings were traveling along the roadway when unidentified assailants riding a separate motorcycle approached them.
The suspects allegedly opened fire at the victim several times while both motorcycles were moving.
The gunfire caused Yan-Yan to lose control of his motorcycle, resulting in a crash along the roadway. He sustained three gunshot wounds to different parts of his body.
Responding personnel immediately brought the victim to the Kapalong District Hospital for initial medical treatment. He was later transferred to the Davao Regional Medical Center for further medical evaluation and treatment.
The victim’s sister also sustained scratches and minor injuries, which police said appeared to have been caused by the motorcycle crash.
Ballistic examination eyed for possible links to other cases
Police investigators, led by Police Major Bryle F. Patalinghug, chief of the Kapalong Municipal Police Station, responded to the scene and recovered three fired cartridge cases believed to have been fired from a .45-caliber firearm.
The recovered evidence has been secured and will be subjected to ballistic examination as part of the continuing investigation.
Authorities said the examination could help determine whether the firearm used in the attack may have been involved in other shooting incidents, potentially providing investigators with additional leads in identifying and locating the perpetrators.
As of the latest police report, the identities and whereabouts of the assailants remained unknown.
Police are pursuing possible leads while continuing to gather evidence and establish the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Police heighten patrols across Kapalong
Following the shooting, the Kapalong MPS immediately strengthened its public safety and security measures in the municipality.
Police increased foot, bicycle and mobile patrols in strategic areas as part of efforts to prevent further incidents and reassure residents following the attack.
Patalinghug condemned the shooting, describing the use of violence as an act of cowardice and stressing that police personnel would continue working to identify those responsible.
“The Kapalong Municipal Police Station strongly condemns these acts of cowardice and violence following the shooting incident in our municipality. While our officers continue to gather critical evidence and track the suspects, we remain steadfast in our commitment to maintain peace and security across Kapalong, and we will not rest until justice is served,” Patalinghug said.
The police chief also emphasized the importance of cooperation between law enforcement authorities and the community in resolving the case.
Kapalong MPS appealed to residents who may have witnessed the shooting, noticed suspicious persons or vehicles in the area, or possess information that could help identify the suspects to immediately coordinate with police.
Authorities assured potential witnesses and informants that information provided to investigators would be treated with the utmost confidentiality.
Police likewise reminded residents to remain vigilant and keep official emergency hotline numbers readily available for immediate coordination in case of emergencies or suspicious activities.
The investigation and hot pursuit operation remain ongoing as authorities work to determine the identities of the gunmen, establish the motive behind the attack, and bring those responsible to justice.