TAGUM CITY — A 40-year-old miner was shot while waiting for transportation in Barangay Pandapan on the afternoon of December 9, prompting city police to launch a dragnet operation to track down the assailants.
The Tagum City Police Station identified the victim as alias Alvin, a resident of Purok Bukal, Nabunturan, Davao de Oro. He was with his live-in partner, alias Cris, at Km. 61, Purok Lansones, when two men on a blue-and-white XTZ motorcycle stopped in front of them at around 3 p.m.
According to police, the back rider initially asked for directions to Mawab. Moments later, he suddenly drew a firearm and shot the victim twice, hitting him in the right cheek with the bullet exiting through the back of his neck. Alvin collapsed as the gunmen sped toward Mawab, Davao de Oro.
Responding investigators recovered two spent shells believed to be from a .45 caliber pistol.
Acting Chief of Police PLtCol Frederick Deles ordered an immediate dragnet operation and coordinated with nearby police stations to pursue the suspects. Police say personal grudge is the leading motive but emphasized that other angles are also being examined.
The victim is currently under medical observation as investigators continue efforts to identify the assailants and determine the exact motive behind the attack.