DAVAO CITY – A man with previous drug and theft records was shot dead while crossing the Daang Maharlika Highway in Barangay Ilang, Davao City, around 3:10 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
The victim was identified by police as Nel John Escorts Amalias, a resident of Purok Buhisan, Barangay Tibungco, Davao City.
Initial investigation by the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) revealed that Amalias was crossing the highway in front of the Specialist Primary Care Hospital toward Muslim Village when an unidentified gunman suddenly approached and shot him multiple times using a caliber .45 pistol.
The victim sustained gunshot wounds to the neck and chest, causing his instantaneous death. Responding police recovered two fired cartridge cases believed to be from the suspect’s firearm.
Authorities also seized from the victim’s possession two sachets of suspected shabu, an ice pick, a broken wristwatch, a coin purse, a lighter, a cap, a broken glass tube, and a blade.
Investigators disclosed that Amalias had been arrested in 2023 for illegal drug activities and was also linked to a theft case in the same year. His previous criminal background has led police to consider various possible motives behind his killing, including personal and illegal drug-related angles.
A hot pursuit operation has been launched to track down the gunman, while police continue to gather surveillance footage and witness statements to identify the suspect and determine the motive for the attack.
The DCPO assured the public that the case is being treated with urgency as part of the city’s ongoing campaign against gun violence and illegal drugs.