The Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO) has arrested one of the suspects in the fatal shooting of a tricycle driver in Dalaguete, Cebu, less than 36 hours after the crime was committed.
The suspect was arrested at around 9:27 p.m. on July 12 during a hot pursuit operation in Barangay Lorega, Cebu City conducted by personnel of the Dalaguete Municipal Police Station in coordination with the Provincial Intelligence Unit.
Police said the arrested individual is now under custody while a murder complaint is being prepared for filing before the appropriate court.
The operation stemmed from the investigation into the shooting incident that occurred at around 10:40 a.m. on July 11 along the national highway in Barangay Tapon, Dalaguete.
The victim, a 58-year-old married tricycle driver from Barangay Cawayan, Dalaguete, was transporting two passengers when he was attacked by two armed men riding a motorcycle.
Investigators said the victim sustained a gunshot wound to the back of the head.
He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Police immediately conducted crime scene processing, reviewed closed-circuit television footage, interviewed witnesses, and gathered intelligence information, which led authorities to identify the suspects and launch a focused hot pursuit operation.
The CPPO said follow-up operations and intelligence monitoring are ongoing to locate and arrest the remaining suspect.
Provincial Director Col. Abubakar Udang Mangelen Jr. commended the operating teams for the swift arrest.
“The immediate arrest of one of the suspects is a testament to the dedication, vigilance, and excellent coordination of our operating units. While this marks a significant development in the investigation, our work is not yet finished. We remain fully committed to locating and arresting the remaining suspect to ensure that everyone responsible for this crime is held accountable,” Mangelen said.
He added that the CPPO would continue acting “swiftly and decisively” against individuals who threaten public safety.
The CPPO urged anyone with information that could help in the arrest of the remaining suspect to coordinate with the nearest police station, assuring that all information will be treated with confidentiality.
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