CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A retired soldier who was reportedly working as a security guard and driver for a lawyer was shot dead in Bontong, Barangay Camaman-an, Cagayan de Oro City, at around 11 a.m. on Friday, September 25, 2026.
The victim, initially identified only as Marlo, reportedly a resident of Barangay Bonbon, was attacked outside an apartment while he was about to open its gate. Police were still working to establish his full identity and other personal details as of the latest initial report.
According to preliminary information, Marlo had just stepped out of the vehicle he was driving when two men aboard a Yamaha Sniper motorcycle allegedly approached the area. One of the suspects, identified as the back rider, reportedly moved alongside the vehicle and suddenly fired at the victim.
Initial police information indicated that the victim was struck in the head by a short firearm. He was left with no apparent signs of life following the shooting.
A CCTV camera in the area reportedly captured portions of the incident. The footage, which was being reviewed by investigators, appeared to show the motorcycle passing near the victim before the back rider allegedly fired at him.
Authorities were also examining whether the victim was deliberately targeted and were looking into a possible land-related dispute as one of the angles of the investigation. However, police had not publicly established a motive, and the reported land dispute remained an investigative lead rather than a confirmed reason for the killing.
The suspects reportedly fled immediately after the shooting aboard the motorcycle. Initial information indicated that the motorcycle had no visible plate number, which investigators are expected to examine further through CCTV footage and other possible evidence from the area.
A video of the shooting reportedly showed the victim being shot in the head and apparently being fired upon again after he had already fallen to the ground. The authenticity and full circumstances surrounding the footage, however, remain subject to police investigation.
Personnel of the Cogon Police Station were reportedly handling the initial investigation, including the review of CCTV recordings and the gathering of information that could help identify the gunmen and establish the circumstances leading to the attack.
Police have yet to release further details regarding the identities of the suspects, the firearm used, or whether the victim had received threats prior to the shooting.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are expected to pursue the identities and whereabouts of the two suspects while examining the CCTV footage and other available evidence.