BANAY-BANAY, Davao Oriental — A 36-year-old man was shot dead by an unidentified assailant while drinking with companions in a late-night attack in Barangay Rang-ay, Banay-banay, Davao Oriental on March 16, 2026.
The victim was identified as Romeo Empuesto Loren, a resident of Barangay Calubihan in the same municipality. He was declared dead on arrival at the Davao Oriental Provincial Hospital after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.
According to initial police reports, Loren was having a drinking session with four other individuals in Purok 5 when a motorcycle repeatedly passed by the area, raising suspicion among those present. Moments later, the rider returned, stopped, and opened fire on the victim without warning.
Authorities recovered nine empty shell casings and two live rounds from a .45 caliber firearm at the crime scene, indicating the intensity of the attack.
Witnesses said the assailant quickly fled the scene after the shooting, leaving Loren gravely wounded. He was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
Police investigators are currently conducting a follow-up operation to identify and apprehend the suspect, who remains at large as of this writing. The motive behind the killing has yet to be determined.
The incident adds to growing concerns over gun-related violence in parts of Davao Oriental, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.