Police are investigating a possible “personal grudge” stemming from a “love quarrel” as the motive behind the shooting of a fresh graduate after his commencement ceremony in Pantukan, Davao de Oro.
“As far as the investigation, personal grudge, may love quarrel po sila,” PltCol. Irish Hezron Parangan, officer-in-charge ng Pantukan Municipal Police Station said in a press conference on Friday, June 26.
Parangan said the victim had just come from his commencement exercises when he was attacked. The shooting reportedly happened about 200 to 300 meters outside the school premises.
He added that the suspect or suspects allegedly waited for the victim before he boarded his minivan.
“Paglabas ng graduation, inabangan po siya… pagsakay niya sa minivan niya, there was also a minivan na humabol sa kanya… suddenly, nagpaputok na po sa kanya,” Parangan said.
Police added that the victim sustained four gunshot wounds.
The Pantukan Municipal Police Station confirmed that three persons of interest have been apprehended, while a hot pursuit operation continues for another individual believed to be involved in the attack.
“As a result of [the] hot pursuit operation, we successfully apprehended 3 personalities involving yung principal... and the gunmen and also the accomplice,” it said.
Investigators recovered a .45 caliber firearm believed to have been used in the shooting, along with five live ammunition rounds. Police said the recovery of the suspect’s getaway vehicle, supported by CCTV footage, played a key role in tracking down the individuals involved.
Authorities are also examining the possibility that the attack was carried out by hired gunmen, although this remains under investigation.
In addition, investigators noted that the victim’s sibling had previously been killed in a separate shooting incident. Authorities are now checking whether the two cases may be related.
Police said the case may lead to charges depending on the court’s evaluation, with possible penalties ranging up to reclusion perpetua depending on the findings and evidence presented.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities pursue the remaining suspect.
