TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte — Police swiftly arrested the alleged gunman behind the fatal shooting of a welder along Pioneer Avenue in Barangay Magugpo West just hours after the incident through an intensified hot pursuit operation on Sunday morning, July 12, 2026.
The victim was identified only by the alias “Nardo,” a bachelor, welder, and resident of Marilog District, Davao City.
According to the initial investigation conducted by the Tagum City Police Station, the victim and several companions first went to a convenience store near a bakery to buy drinks, where he reportedly became involved in a confrontation with another individual.
Authorities said the victim later returned to the same store to purchase medicine for an injury on his knee.
However, the situation turned deadly moments later.
During the follow-up investigation, a witness identified only as “Leo” told investigators that while they were walking along Pioneer Avenue, they were suddenly approached by the suspect, identified as alias “Randy,” 35 years old, single, a painter, and a resident of Villa Magsanoc, Barangay Mankilam, Tagum City.
According to the witness, the suspect suddenly drew a firearm and shot the victim once, striking him on the left side of the abdomen.
The victim sustained a fatal gunshot wound and was declared dead as a result of the attack.
Immediate Police Response
Using information gathered from witnesses and intelligence assets, the Davao del Norte Police Provincial Office immediately launched a hot pursuit operation under the leadership of Police Colonel Glenn G. Cristines, Provincial Director, together with Police Lieutenant Colonel Edgardo G. Bahan, Officer-in-Charge of the Tagum City Police Station.
The operation involved personnel from the Davao del Norte Provincial Intelligence Unit (DNPIU), the 1st Davao del Norte Provincial Mobile Force Company (DNPMFC), and the Davao del Norte Police Provincial Office SWAT Team.
At approximately 9:32 a.m., only a few hours after the shooting, police tracked down and arrested the suspect at his residence in Villa Magsanoc, Barangay Mankilam, Tagum City.
Recovered from his possession was a Colt MK IV caliber .45 pistol loaded with a magazine containing five live rounds of ammunition, which investigators believe was the firearm used in the fatal shooting.
The recovered weapon has been placed under police custody and will undergo forensic examination as part of the ongoing investigation.
Criminal Charges Being Prepared
Authorities are now preparing the necessary documents for the filing of the appropriate criminal charges against the suspect.
Investigators are also continuing to establish the exact motive behind the killing, although the initial inquiry indicates that the incident may have stemmed from the earlier confrontation involving the victim.
Police are likewise gathering additional evidence and witness statements to strengthen the case.
Police Assure Public of Swift Justice
The Tagum City Police Station reaffirmed its commitment to aggressively combat criminality and ensure the immediate resolution of violent crimes in the city.
“Dili nato tugotan nga makalikay sa balaod ang bisan kinsa nga mohimo og krimen. Ang paspas nga pag-aresto sa suspek nagpakita sa dedikasyon ug koordinadong paningkamot sa atong kapulisan aron masiguro nga mahatagan og hustisya ang biktima ug mapreserbar ang kalinaw sa atong komunidad,” police said in a statement.
(“We will not allow anyone who commits a crime to escape the law. The swift arrest of the suspect demonstrates the dedication and coordinated efforts of our police force to ensure justice for the victim and preserve peace in our community.”)
Police also urged residents to immediately report any criminal or illegal activities by calling the Tagum City Police Station hotline at 0919-748-5024, emphasizing that public cooperation remains vital in maintaining peace and security throughout the city.
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of rapid police response and intelligence-driven operations, which enabled authorities to apprehend the alleged gunman before he could evade arrest, bringing the victim’s family a step closer to justice while reinforcing law enforcement’s campaign against violent crime in Tagum City.