Municipal employee shot dead in Bukidnon; manhunt on for suspects

QUEZON, Bukidnon — Colleagues and peers are in profound shock following the killing of a 37-year-old municipal government employee who was gunned down while riding home at dawn on Friday.

The incident happened around 2:30 a.m. in Purok 4, Barangay Libertad here.

According to the initial investigation by Quezon Police Station, led by Lt. Col. Erwin Naelga, the victim was allegedly tailed by an unidentified motorcycle while traversing the road.

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READ: Man shot dead in broad daylight on Zamboanga City street

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Upon reaching the area near a sugarcane plantation, the suspects waylaid and flagged him down, forcing him to stop his motorcycle before shooting him once at close range in the neck.

Despite being rushed by rescue personnel to the Quezon Health Center Infirmary, the victim was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Nearby residents reported hearing two motorcycles approaching, followed by gunshots, before seeing one vehicle flee toward Barangay Salawagan.

Crime scene investigators recovered two live rounds, one slug, and a fired cartridge case from a .45-caliber firearm.

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Following the shooting, authorities activated OPLAN SHIELD and a containment ring, launching an immediate hot pursuit.

LGU Quezon coworkers described the victim as grateful, courteous, and dedicated Civil Security Unit (CSU) frontline personnel.

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He had just finished his afternoon-to-night shift and was heading home on his black Yamaha XTZ motorcycle.

Bukidnon Provincial Director PCol. Oliver Navales has ordered the Quezon Municipal Police Station to conduct a thorough, expedited investigation to bring the culprits to justice./coa