KORONADAL CITY — A 63-year-old safety officer was shot dead in a brazen early morning ambush along the national highway in Purok 3, Barangay Palian, Tupi, South Cotabato, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
The victim was identified as Joesel Baclaan Tabsing, a married resident of Purok Riverside, Barangay Sto. Niño, Koronadal City. He was employed as a safety officer for a construction company reportedly owned by his sibling.
According to authorities, Tabsing was on his way to attend a meeting when the attack occurred at around 5:42 a.m. He was driving his black Kawasaki Bajaj motorcycle with sidecar (plate number M5757S), traveling from Koronadal City toward Polomolok when he was allegedly followed by unidentified assailants riding another motorcycle.
Initial investigation revealed that upon reaching Barangay Palian, the suspects closed in and opened fire, hitting the victim multiple times. Tabsing sustained four gunshot wounds to the back, which caused his instantaneous death.
Police officers and Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) who responded to the scene recovered four empty shell casings believed to have come from a .45 caliber firearm.
Barangay Palian Chairman Jeffrey Agustin said in an interview that the victim was suddenly approached and shot without warning. He added that authorities are still working to determine the motive behind the killing.
Police Major Rovi Jardenil, chief of the Tupi Municipal Police Station, confirmed that a full-scale investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend the suspects, who fled toward the direction of Koronadal City after the incident.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the attack to come forward and assist in the investigation.
Local officials have also assured the public that stricter security measures will be implemented in the area to prevent similar incidents.
As of this writing, investigators are exploring possible motives, including personal and work-related angles, behind the fatal shooting.