IMELDA, Zamboanga Sibugay — A 69-year-old auxiliary employee of the local government unit was killed in a brazen shooting incident late Monday evening, June 22, in Barangay Santa Barbara, Imelda, Zamboanga Sibugay, prompting authorities to launch a hot pursuit operation against the fleeing suspect.
The victim was identified by the Imelda Municipal Police Station (MPS) as Eugenio Hugo Tano, 69, a widower and auxiliary worker of the Local Government Unit of Imelda. He was a resident of Purok 5, Barangay Del Monte, Buug, Zamboanga Sibugay.
According to the police report, the fatal incident occurred at around 10:30 p.m. along the highway in Purok Luzon, Barangay Santa Barbara.
Authorities said a concerned citizen immediately reported the shooting to the Imelda MPS. Responding police officers rushed to the scene and found the victim lying motionless in the middle of the highway beside his motorcycle bearing plate number 6940JE.
Initial examination conducted by investigators revealed that Tano sustained a gunshot wound to the head, believed to have been inflicted using a .40-caliber firearm.
Shot While Driving
Based on the initial investigation, Tano had just left the municipal hall and was driving his motorcycle home when the attack occurred.
Residents living near the crime scene reported hearing the loud revving of a motorcycle followed by a gunshot. Moments later, they discovered the victim sprawled on the road and no longer showing signs of movement.
Investigators believe the victim may have been shot while driving, causing him to lose control of his motorcycle and crash onto the roadway.
“The circumstances indicate that the victim was likely attacked while operating his motorcycle,” police investigators noted, as they continue to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the killing.
Declared Dead at Hospital
The victim was immediately transported to Wilfredo Palma Memorial Hospital for emergency medical treatment. However, despite efforts to save his life, attending physicians declared him dead at 2:35 a.m. on Tuesday.
The fatal head wound proved too severe, authorities said.
Evidence Recovered
Personnel from the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) processed the crime scene and recovered one spent shell casing, believed to have come from the firearm used in the attack.
The recovered evidence has been submitted for forensic examination as investigators work to identify the gunman and establish a possible motive behind the killing.
Hot Pursuit Operation Underway
Following the incident, the Imelda MPS coordinated with neighboring police units and immediately launched a hot pursuit operation to track down and arrest the suspect, who fled after the shooting.
As of press time, no suspect has been identified and no arrests have been made.
Police authorities are pursuing all possible angles, including whether the victim may have been specifically targeted.
Investigation Continues
The motive behind the killing remains unclear, and investigators are currently gathering witness statements, reviewing possible leads, and examining available evidence that could help identify those responsible.
The Imelda Municipal Police Station assured the public that efforts are ongoing to solve the case and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The killing adds to the growing concern over gun-related violence in parts of the province, with authorities urging residents who may have witnessed the incident or possess relevant information to immediately coordinate with law enforcement agencies.
Police said the investigation remains active and further updates will be released as new developments emerge.