PNP arrests three suspects in attack on new college graduate
The Philippine National Police arrest three suspects in the shooting of a new college graduate and businessman in Pantukan, Davao de Oro. Learn how swift police action, digital forensics, and the EMPO framework led to the capture of the alleged gunman, a dismissed cop, and an accomplice, as authorities pursue another suspect and probe a possible related attack.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday announced the arrest of three individuals allegedly involved in the attempted murder of a businessman who had just graduated from college in Pantukan, Davao de Oro, on 25 June.
PNP Chief P/Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended personnel of the Pantukan Municipal Police Station for the successful operation, which resulted in the arrest of the suspects a day after the shooting incident.
He also ordered the continuation of police operations to arrest at least one more alleged perpetrator.june
“We committed to solve this crime, and we honor that commitment by the immediate arrest of those involved. I commend all our personnel involved in this operation for a job well done,” Nartatez said.
The 29-year-old businessman had just attended a graduation ceremony for a degree in Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) at the Kolehiyo ng Pantukan when he was repeatedly shot along the national highway in Barangay Kingking.
The victim sustained gunshot wounds but survived the attack.
Initial investigation showed that the shooting was allegedly motivated by a personal grudge.
Police immediately launched an investigation and hot pursuit operations based on information provided by the victim and other witnesses, as well as the assessment of digital forensic evidence.
Arrested were a 35-year-old man identified by the victim as the alleged gunman, a 34-year-old dismissed police officer, and a 25-year-old woman.
Investigators said the three suspects were onboard a gray Suzuki minivan bearing Plate No. MBN 2178, which was allegedly used as the getaway vehicle.
Authorities also recovered a .45-caliber pistol during the operation.
“The arrest of the suspects in this crime is proof of the efficiency of proper supervision of police operations and proper conduct of investigative and operational procedures,” Nartatez said.
He added that the operation reflected the implementation of the Enhanced Managing of Police Operations (EMPO), a data-driven operational framework aimed at improving police response and visibility in communities, in line with the directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla.
The three suspects are now under police custody while investigators prepare charges and consolidate evidence for the filing of cases.
Police are also looking into whether the same suspects were involved in an earlier shooting incident involving a relative of the victim.