KAPALONG, Davao del Norte — A 42-year-old man was shot dead by unidentified assailants and later found in a creek after an ambush along a roadside in Barangay Tiburcia on Wednesday afternoon, April 15, 2026, police confirmed.
The victim, identified only by his alias “Jes,” was a married resident of Purok 2, Dulapo, Oroquieta City, Misamis Occidental.
According to a report from the Kapalong Municipal Police Station (MPS), the incident occurred at around 5:10 p.m. along the Kapalong–Valencia City Road, particularly near the vicinity of Eternal Homes Memorial Garden in Purok 9.
Initial investigation revealed that the victim was driving his Honda XRM 125 motorcycle (plate number L226DM) en route to Barangay Maniki when he was suddenly shot by still unidentified suspects. The attack caused the victim to lose control of his motorcycle, veer off the road, crash into nearby vegetation, and fall into a creek.
Responding authorities found the victim with multiple gunshot wounds in different parts of his body, which ultimately led to his death.
He was rushed to Kapalong District Hospital but was declared dead on arrival at around 7:20 p.m. by attending physician Dr. Kristine Joyce F. Saragena.
Crime scene investigators recovered a spent shell believed to be from a .45 caliber pistol, along with the victim’s motorcycle and cash amounting to ₱1,591.
Police have launched a hot pursuit operation to identify and apprehend the suspects behind the killing. Authorities are also continuing their investigation to determine the motive of the attack.
As of press time, no group or individual has claimed responsibility for the shooting, and police have yet to establish whether the incident was related to personal conflict, criminal activity, or other motives.