SURALLAH, South Cotabato — A 44-year-old construction site watchman was arrested after a confrontation over an alleged theft of construction materials ended in the fatal shooting of an unidentified man in Barangay Libertad, Surallah, South Cotabato, at around 10:30 p.m. on October 12, 2026.
The victim was rushed to the nearest hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound to the right side of his body but died while receiving medical treatment, according to the initial police account of the incident.
Personnel of the Surallah Municipal Police Station reportedly spotted the wounded man running toward the direction of nearby Kasadya Village before he collapsed along the roadside. Responding police officers approached the victim and discovered the gunshot wound, prompting his immediate transport to a medical facility.
Despite efforts to save him, the victim succumbed to his injury. Authorities have yet to establish his identity as the investigation continues.
Alleged Theft Led to Confrontation
Initial police findings indicated that the victim was allegedly caught stealing construction materials from a private construction site in Purok 3, Zone 4, Barangay Libertad.
The incident reportedly led to a confrontation with the site’s watchman, identified in the initial reports as a 44-year-old man residing in the area. The suspect allegedly shot the victim during the encounter.
Police subsequently investigated the construction site and identified the watchman as the alleged gunman. Reports stated that the suspect voluntarily surrendered to authorities after the shooting and turned over the firearm believed to have been used in the incident.
The alleged theft remains part of the preliminary account and has yet to be independently established. Investigators are expected to determine the circumstances of the confrontation, including what transpired immediately before the shooting.
Homemade Caliber .22 Revolver Recovered
Authorities arrested the suspect and brought him to the Surallah Municipal Police Station for proper disposition.
Police reportedly recovered a homemade caliber .22 revolver without a serial number, one live round of caliber .22 ammunition, and two spent cartridge cases believed to be connected to the shooting.
The recovered items are expected to form part of the evidence in the ongoing investigation.
Homicide Complaint Being Prepared
Police are preparing a homicide complaint against the suspect, according to the initial report.
Investigators continue to establish the victim’s identity and reconstruct the sequence of events that led to his death. The investigation will also seek to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft, the confrontation, and the use of the firearm.
The suspect’s account and the allegation that the victim was stealing construction materials remain subject to verification as authorities pursue the case.
The incident underscores the potentially fatal consequences of confrontations involving suspected property crimes. Authorities have yet to release further details on the victim’s identity or the final findings of the investigation.