POLOMOLOK, South Cotabato — A 51-year-old collector was shot dead in broad daylight on Thursday morning, March 19, in a remote area of Barangay Palkan, prompting an ongoing investigation by local police.
The victim was identified as Ricky Binuya Tucal, a married resident of Purok 3, Barangay Palkan. Tucal, who worked as a collector, sustained multiple gunshot wounds that led to his immediate death.
According to an initial report from the Polomolok Municipal Police Station (MPS), the incident occurred at around 9:30 a.m. in Sitio Palakasam, Purok 7. The victim’s lifeless body was later discovered by employees of a company who happened to pass by the area and noticed a man lying along the roadside. The witnesses promptly reported the incident to authorities.
Responding police investigators who arrived at the scene confirmed that Tucal had been shot several times. However, crucial details surrounding the killing—including the identity of the suspect or suspects and the motive—remain unclear.
Authorities are currently pursuing deeper investigations to determine whether the killing was connected to Tucal’s line of work or other possible angles. Initial information also revealed that the victim was on his way to collect payments from a client at the time of the incident. Notably, no money was recovered from him, as he had yet to begin his collection rounds.
Police have yet to disclose whether there were witnesses to the actual shooting or if any surveillance or forensic evidence has been secured from the crime scene.
The Polomolok MPS is urging anyone with information that could help identify the perpetrators to come forward as they intensify efforts to solve the case.
The killing adds to growing concerns over public safety in parts of South Cotabato, particularly in rural areas where law enforcement visibility remains limited.
Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.