GENERAL SANTOS CITY — A 44-year-old man was critically wounded after being shot several times by an unidentified gunman in Purok 6, New Society, Barangay Apopong, General Santos City, late Sunday night, August 16, 2026.
The victim, identified only by the alias “Bebot,” was reportedly unemployed and a resident of Bagangga, Barangay Apopong.
Initial police information indicated that the shooting occurred when the unidentified suspect, who was reportedly wearing a black long-sleeved shirt, suddenly entered the area and fired multiple shots at the victim from close range.
The gunman immediately fled toward an undetermined direction following the attack.
The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds to different parts of his body and was rushed to the Dr. Jorge P. Royeca Hospital for medical treatment. He was reported to be in critical condition.
Purok 6 Chairman Joemar Plasabas, however, said the shooting was heard at around 11 p.m. on August 16 while they were conducting curfew monitoring in the area.
According to Plasabas, they heard five consecutive gunshots. They also saw a woman shouting for help and reportedly learned that a man had been shot near her residence.
The discrepancy between the initial report identifying the incident as occurring in the early morning of August 17 and the purok chairman’s account placing it at around 11 p.m. on August 16 remains subject to clarification as police continue their investigation.
Personnel of the Makar Police Station have launched a hot pursuit operation to track down and arrest the unidentified gunman.
Authorities are also investigating the possible motive for the attack and the circumstances leading to the shooting. Police have yet to identify the suspect or determine whether the victim was specifically targeted.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are expected to establish the sequence of events, identify the shooter and determine the motive based on witness accounts and other available evidence.