Malaybalay City – Tragedy struck Barangay Aglayan Wednesday night as a fruit vendor’s driver was gunned down in a violent robbery, just hours before the New Year.
The victim, identified as Ranel Arenga, was shot in the head by three armed men around 9:00 p.m., police reported. The assailants, riding a black motorcycle, reportedly fled the scene immediately after the attack.
According to initial investigations by the Malaybalay Police, the suspects forcibly took Arenga’s cellphone and the proceeds from the fruit stall, estimated to be over ₱100,000. Rollena Dizon, the mother of the fruit stall owner, confirmed that the amount represented the total earnings of the business since Christmas, which were in the victim’s possession at the time of the robbery.
Despite sustaining a gunshot wound to the head, Arenga was still alive when authorities rushed him to the local health center. He, however, succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.
Police have launched a hot pursuit operation to track down the suspects, who remain at large. Authorities urge anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward to aid in the investigation.
This brutal act underscores the growing concern over violent crimes in the area, leaving the local community in shock and mourning as they prepare to welcome the New Year under tragic circumstances.