A 29-year-old man was shot dead by two unidentified gunmen inside his fairground business along Makar Road, Purok Bagong Silang, Barangay Labangal, General Santos City, on the night of October 3, 2026.
Police identified the victim as Jeffrey Argabio Dequillo, a resident of Accord Village, Barangay Calumpang. He was reportedly in a live-in relationship and was the son of barangay councilor Jovelyn Dequillo.
The shooting occurred at around 10:20 p.m., according to the initial police investigation.
Authorities said Dequillo was inside his perya when two unidentified suspects suddenly entered the area and opened fire at him. Initial information indicated that he sustained a gunshot wound to the right side of his back.
Other accounts from witnesses, however, indicated that the victim may have also sustained a gunshot wound to the head. Police and medical authorities are expected to establish the exact nature and number of his injuries as the investigation progresses.
Dequillo was immediately rushed to SARMED Hospital, but attending physicians declared him dead on arrival due to the severity of his gunshot injuries.
A witness identified only as “Mario” said he heard successive gunshots before seeing people at the area panic and scatter.
According to information relayed by the witness, a woman who reportedly saw the incident noticed a man wearing a mask repeatedly moving around the victim shortly before the shooting. Moments later, the masked man allegedly fired at Dequillo.
Police said the suspects immediately fled the area aboard a motorcycle after the shooting, heading toward Lower Makar, Barangay Labangal.
One of the suspects was reportedly wearing a green T-shirt and short pants. Authorities have launched a hot-pursuit operation and are working to establish the identities of both suspects.
The motive for the killing remains undetermined.
Meanwhile, Dequillo’s mother, Barangay Kagawad Jovelyn Dequillo, appealed for justice for her son. She said the family is considering two possible angles behind the attack—robbery or possible business rivalry.
Police have yet to confirm either theory and are continuing to gather witness accounts and other evidence that could establish what led to the fatal shooting.
Investigators are also expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the suspects’ approach, their escape route, and any available surveillance footage from establishments and roads near the crime scene.
Authorities urged anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or have information that could lead to the identification of the suspects to coordinate with the police.
The investigation remains ongoing.