LILOY, Zamboanga del Norte — A 26-year-old pump boy was shot dead in broad daylight by two unidentified men riding in tandem at a gasoline station in Barangay San Miguel, Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte, on Thursday, September 10, 2026.
The victim was identified as Eugenio Butalid Tubio Jr., also known as “Moymoy,” a single pump boy and resident of Purok Kasambahay, Barangay Banigan, Liloy.
The shooting occurred at around 12:45 p.m. at Purok Uno, Barangay San Miguel, and was captured by a closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera installed at the establishment.
Suspects reportedly stopped to buy gasoline
Initial police investigation and the CCTV footage showed that the two unidentified suspects arrived at the establishment aboard a red-and-white Honda XRM 125 motorcycle and stopped to purchase gasoline.
After reportedly paying for the fuel, the back rider suddenly drew a firearm and shot Tubio once, hitting him on the right side of his neck.
Witnesses said the victim died at the scene.
The suspects immediately fled aboard the motorcycle and were reportedly seen heading toward Barangay Fatima in Liloy.
The CCTV footage is now being examined by investigators as a key piece of evidence that could help establish the identities and movements of the suspects before and after the shooting.
Motorcycle plate being traced
Police recovered from the crime scene an empty cartridge case believed to be from a .45-caliber firearm and a ₱50 bill, which were documented and secured as evidence for forensic examination.
Investigators are also working to determine the identity of the registered owner of the motorcycle reportedly used in the attack. The motorcycle was identified in the information provided to authorities as a Honda XRM 125 with plate number J324SK.
Authorities are expected to coordinate with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to help trace the registered owner of the motorcycle. The identification of a registered owner, however, would not by itself establish that the person was involved in the shooting.
The Liloy Municipal Police Station continues to investigate the case and is reviewing available CCTV footage and other evidence in an effort to identify the two suspects.
Motive remains unknown
The motive for the killing remains undetermined as of the initial investigation.
Police have yet to publicly identify the suspects or establish whether the attack was personal, related to a dispute, or connected to another possible motive.
Authorities are expected to pursue further forensic examination of the recovered cartridge case, review the CCTV recordings, trace the motorcycle, and gather witness accounts as the investigation progresses.
The public is advised to allow investigators to verify information before identifying or accusing any individual as a suspect.
The case remains under investigation.