Davao City — A 33-year-old woman was shot dead and robbed of her bag containing an estimated ₱200,000 in cash and jewelry in a highway robbery incident that occurred around 3:00 a.m. on June 28, 2025, along the Daang Maharlika Highway at Km. 16, Ilang, this city.
The victim was identified as Mary Joy, a resident of Mañalac, New Pandan in Panabo City. According to police investigations, she had just completed a transaction involving the delivery of scrap metals to a major steel corporation in Ilang and was on her way home to Panabo City.
Mary Joy was riding in an Isuzu Elf truck driven by her live-in partner, known only by the alias “Dino.” While traveling back home, the couple’s truck was flagged down by two unidentified men on a motorcycle who allegedly posed as traffic enforcers, citing a supposed violation.
Dino reportedly stepped out of the vehicle as instructed, but the motorcycle’s back rider approached the passenger side and confronted Mary Joy, which led to a scuffle. Moments later, a gunshot was heard, and witnesses saw the back rider fleeing with the victim’s bag containing the cash and several pieces of jewelry.
The suspects immediately fled the scene in an unknown direction.
Responders from the 911 Emergency unit arrived shortly after but declared Mary Joy dead at the scene due to a gunshot wound to her lower chest area.
Police recovered a spent shell from a .45 caliber pistol and four rings believed to belong to the victim. Authorities are conducting a deeper investigation to identify and apprehend the suspects.
The brutal attack has shocked the local community, especially residents of Panabo and nearby areas, who are calling for justice and increased security on major transport routes.