MATI CITY, Davao Oriental — A 30-year-old man who had recently been released from jail and was under probation was shot dead by an unidentified gunman in a brazen attack in the NHA area of Purok Malipayon 4, Barangay Dahican, Mati City, on Sunday evening, July 26, prompting an extensive police manhunt to identify and arrest the perpetrator.
The victim was identified by police as Edmar Gigato, a resident of the same community. Authorities said he died on the spot after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds.
According to the initial investigation of the Mati City Police Station, Gigato was on his way to a nearby sari-sari store to buy beer when he was suddenly approached by the armed suspect, who opened fire several times before fleeing the scene.
Responding police officers, led by Mati City Acting Chief of Police PLtCol Frederick Sa-ao, together with duty investigators, SWAT personnel, and Tourist Police, immediately rushed to the area after receiving reports of the shooting. Upon arrival, they found the victim lying lifeless along the roadside near the store where the attack occurred.
Police said the incident was first reported by a witness identified only by the alias “Eleanor.”
Victim Had Been Released Only Weeks Earlier
Further information gathered by investigators revealed that Gigato had been released from jail only a little over a month before the fatal shooting and was reportedly under probation.
In an interview with local media, the victim’s wife, identified only by the alias “Ryl,” disclosed that her husband had served approximately eight months in prison for an illegal drug-related case before being released on June 17, 2026.
She recounted that Gigato had merely crossed the road from their house to buy beer when the shooting occurred. According to her, the attack happened during the area’s second power outage that evening.
She said residents suddenly heard three gunshots before discovering Gigato lying on the ground, covered in his own blood.
The victim leaves behind three young children, aged 10, 7, and 3 years old.
Police Intensify Manhunt
PLtCol Sa-ao confirmed that the Mati City Police Station has launched hot pursuit and dragnet operations to track down the unidentified gunman.
Authorities have also coordinated with the Davao Oriental Police Forensic Unit (DOPFU XI) to conduct a comprehensive crime scene investigation and gather forensic evidence that may help identify the suspect.
As of this writing, investigators have yet to establish the motive behind the killing, and no suspects have been arrested.
Police continue to appeal to anyone with information that could aid the investigation to coordinate with the Mati City Police Station as efforts intensify to bring those responsible to justice.