A 73-year-old businessman was shot dead by his own nephew inside his electrical supply store in a shocking broad daylight shooting incident on Friday morning, May 15, in Barangay 8, Malaybalay City.
The victim, identified by authorities as alias “Boy Dela Cruz,” married and a resident of Barangay 8, died after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds during the attack that occurred at around 9:30 a.m. inside the Moonjay Electrical Supply located in Purok 1.
Initial investigation gathered by local media indicated that the suspect suddenly arrived at the establishment before a heated argument reportedly erupted between the victim and his nephew. Residents near the area said they heard the two men arguing moments before gunshots rang out.
Witnesses claimed the suspect repeatedly shot the elderly businessman from behind, hitting him in the chest and other parts of the body. The victim succumbed to his injuries on the spot.
The incident also left the establishment’s security guard wounded after he was hit by a stray bullet in his right hand while the shooting was ongoing. The injured guard was immediately rushed to a hospital for medical treatment and is currently recovering.
Police officers from the Malaybalay City Police Station swiftly responded to the scene and immediately launched a hot pursuit operation against the suspect.
Authorities later confirmed that the suspect was successfully arrested shortly after the incident through the rapid response of beat patrollers deployed in the area. The firearm believed to have been used in the killing was also voluntarily surrendered to responding police officers.
Under the leadership of Police Lieutenant Colonel Joepet B. Paglinawan, chief of police of the Malaybalay City Police Station, authorities said the immediate arrest of the suspect helped prevent further violence and restored peace and order in the community.
Investigators are currently looking into a reported land dispute as the possible motive behind the fatal shooting.
Police assured the public that a thorough investigation is ongoing as criminal charges are being prepared against the suspect. Authorities also emphasized their continuing commitment to maintaining public safety and protecting lives amid violent incidents in the city.