A former freelance radio broadcaster who worked as an acupuncturist was shot dead inside a former massage and spa center in Barangay Lagao, General Santos City on Monday, June 23, 2025.

Police said three bullets from a caliber .45 pistol hit the victim identified as Ali Jejhon Macalintal. He did not reach the hospital alive.

Some residents reportedly heard gunshots during the incident.

“Pag-abri nako tindahan kalit na nadungan nga naay ni buto-buto tapos taod taod nakit-an na lang nako ang tag-iya sa boarding house nga naga-singgit pangayo tabang kay ang iyang kauban gipusil,” a resident said.

Authorities said the victim asked permission from a friend, the owner of the former spa, to use the space for an acupuncture appointment. The shooting allegedly took place when the client arrived.

Investigators said it is possible that the supposed client who had scheduled an acupuncture session may have been the one who shot the victim.

“Naa siya naka-transaction, 6:30 a.m. Siguro, nagpaabot siya sa iyang customer diri sa sulod sa massage and spa, wala ta kabalo basi’g katong ka-transaksyon niya, possible suspek,” Police Station 3 Deputy Commander, Lt. Ferdinand Sahagun, said.

According to witnesses, two suspects were riding a motorcycle.

“Wala lang nako naklaro ilang nawong kay may mga tabon man gud. Duha sila kabuok,” a resident said.

“Dili pa namo sure kay sa description man gud, naka-backpack siya, naka short, nakabonet, ug nakakalo,” Sahagun said.

Authorities are also investigating whether the victim received death threats prior to the incident.

A hot pursuit operation is ongoing, as of this writing.

GMA Regional TV One Mindanao is reaching out to the victim’s family for a statement.