A rider and his companion were shot dead in Barangay Vintar, Valencia City, Bukidnon on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.

Police said the victims were 47 years old and 45-years old, and were residents of Barangay Kahaponan.

Based on investigation, the victims were riding a motorcycle on their way to San Fernando town when they were shot by an unidentified assailant.

The gunman may have used a caliber .45 pistol based on cartridges recovered from the crime scene.

“Naa’y nag-report sa Valencia CPS, together with the intel operatives conducted a hot pursuit operation and dragnet operation. However, wala silang nakuha kahapon pero as of this time may persons of interest na sila,” Bukidnon Police Provincial Office Spokesperson, Major Jayvee Babaan, said.

Authorities added that one of the victims had received death threats and had survived an ambush in January 2025.

Investigators are looking into several angles, including illegal drugs, to determine the possible motive.

“May mga criminal record na ito even sa illegal drugs may record siya sa firearm. So definitely we are looking to many angles in relation to the said shooting incident pero itong kasama niya wala kaming nakita na record,” Babaan said.

Police are pursuing the persons of interest they have identified, as of this writing. They are also calling on those who have knowledge about the incident to come forward.