A barangay captain was shot and killed inside his barangay hall in Enrile, Cagayan, on Friday afternoon, May 9, 2025, prompting a police investigation and a province-wide manhunt.

Based on initial reports from the Cagayan Provincial Information Office, the shooting occurred around 2:35 p.m. in Barangay 2.

The victim, identified as Barangay Captain Bernardo Gacuan, 72, sustained gunshot wounds to the lower part of his right shoulder.

He was rushed to St. Paul Hospital in Tuguegarao City but was declared dead on arrival.

According to the Cagayan Police Provincial Office (PRO2), Gacuan had just entered the barangay hall when one of the suspects followed him inside and shot him multiple times in the back.

The gunman and his accomplice then fled aboard a blue-and-black motorcycle without a license plate.

Witnesses said the suspects were wearing black helmets. The gunman was clad in a black long-sleeved top and gray jeans, while the driver wore a black sleeveless jersey and black pants.

Police immediately launched a hot pursuit operation and placed areas nearby under flash alarm status.

Dragnet operations and high-risk checkpoints were also set up, with coordination extended to the Isabela Police Provincial Office.

The Enrile Police, together with the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO), are reviewing closed circuit television (CCTV) footage from the area to identify the suspects and determine the motive behind the killing.

PBGEN Antonio P. Marallag, Jr., Regional Director of PRO2, condemned the attack, calling it a violent crime against a public servant.

“Mariin nating kinokondena ang marahas na krimeng ito laban kay Punong Barangay Bernardo Gacuan. Hindi natin palalagpasin ang ganitong uri ng karahasan. Nanawagan kami sa publiko na agad ipagbigay-alam ang anumang impormasyon na maaaring makatulong sa ikalulutas ng kaso. Sa pakikipagtulungan ng mamamayan, sisiguraduhin nating mapanagot ang mga nasa likod ng krimeng ito,” Marallag said in a statement.

Authorities urge anyone with relevant information to contact the Enrile Police Station at 0906-972-3081 or visit the nearest police outpost.

Despite the incident, PRO2 assured the public that peace and order efforts across Region 2 remain in full force, especially during the election period.