Authorities have identified persons of interest in the killing of a former employee of the National Irrigation Administration-Northern Mindanao (NIA-10) and raised the possibility that the motorcycle-riding assailants were professional gun-for-hire killers.

The victim, Niruh Kyle Antatico, was shot dead while driving his car in Barangay Patag, Cagayan de Oro City on Friday, October 10, 2025.

“Makita nato nga naka-plano gyud ang ilang gihimo nga pagpatay busa ang atong back-tracking nga gihimo nga nagsumikad sa adlaw kung diin nahitabo ang pagkamatay kundili nag backtrack pud kita sa adlaw gyud within sa anggulo sa biktima nga naa gyud to mga susama nga mga tao nga naa sa iyang palibot,” Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) Spokesperson, Capt. Emilita Simon, said.

A special investigation task group (SITG) has been formed composed of personnel from various law enforcement agencies to investigate the incident.

“Nanghinaot kita nga pinaagi niini atong SITG ang atong persons of interest maka-build na gyud kita og sakto nga datos ug maka-collect gyud kita og sakto nga ebidensya o igo nga ebidensya either makatudlo aning persons of interest o mahimong witnesses,” Simon added.

NIA has already offered a P100,000 reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of the gunmen and the mastermind.

One of the possible motives being investigated by authorities is the victim’s alleged exposés on corruption involving NIA projects in Lanao del Sur.

“Ato pud i-assure ang privacy, ang proteksyon sa ilang personal details kung kinsa man ang moreport ma-protektahan pud nato,” Simon said.