DAVAO CITY — A 32-year-old barangay staff was shot dead by unidentified riding-in-tandem gunmen in front of the Barangay Hall of Barangay Dumoy on Tuesday evening, August 4, prompting authorities to launch an intensive manhunt and investigation into the brazen killing.
The victim was identified as Henry Brion Siason Jr., 32, single, and a resident of the Pepsi area in Barangay Dumoy, Davao City. He was serving as a staff member of the barangay at the time of the incident.
According to the initial investigation conducted by the Baliok Police Station, the shooting occurred at around 6:30 p.m. directly outside the Barangay Hall.
A witness identified as John, the victim’s nephew, told investigators that Henry was standing near the barangay hall when he noticed two unidentified men approaching on a red-and-black XRM motorcycle.
Police said the motorcycle driver was wearing a black helmet, while the back rider wore a white helmet. Both suspects were reportedly dressed in dark clothing, with one described as wearing a black jacket and shorts.
Moments later, the witness heard several successive gunshots and saw his uncle collapse to the ground. After carrying out the attack, the assailants immediately fled southbound aboard the same motorcycle.
Responders rushed Siason to Malta Hospital for emergency medical treatment. However, attending physicians declared him dead on arrival at 7:22 p.m. due to multiple gunshot wounds.
Authorities have yet to determine the exact number of gunshot wounds sustained by the victim as forensic examinations continue.
Personnel from the Regional Forensic Unit 11 (RFU-11) Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) processed the crime scene and collected physical evidence that may help identify the perpetrators.
Police have launched a hot pursuit operation against the fleeing suspects while investigators continue to examine possible motives behind the killing. As of this writing, no arrests have been made, and authorities have not disclosed whether the attack was work-related, personally motivated, or linked to any other criminal activity.
The Baliok Police Station, together with RFU-11 investigators, continues to conduct a thorough investigation to establish the identities of the gunmen and ensure they are brought to justice.
Authorities are also appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or possesses information that could aid the investigation to coordinate with the nearest police station.