A 34-year-old Indian national was shot dead in Candelaria, Zambales, prompting a police manhunt that led to the arrest of one suspect and the search for two others.

He was a resident of Barangay Lipay in Sta. Cruz, Zambales.

Police found the victim lying bloodied beside his motorcycle in Barangay Dampay on February 8, 2026. They said the victim sustained six gunshot wounds.

“Mayroon tayong nakitang tama sa ulo at lima po sa katawan. So, all in all, anim ‘yung tumama sa kaniya,” PCOL. Benjamin Ariola, director of the Zambales Police Provincial Office said.

Authorities reviewed CCTV footage and took statements from witnesses. They also launched a dragnet operation and “Oplan Bakod” to track the suspects down.

“Based doon sa motibo, inalam natin ‘yung sinong puwedeng ma-involve, ‘yung puwedeng galit sa kaniya o nakaalitan niya o anong mga reasons kung bakit siya papatayin. So, na-mention po ‘yun sa investigation natin sa mga witnesses,” Ariola said.

On February 10, police arrested one of the three suspects in Barangay Palanginan, Iba, Zambales. The suspect, also an Indian national, is 33 years old and a resident of Zone 1, Iba.

Police said the motive may be linked to a personal dispute that later involved business.

“Ang motibo po na nakita natin diyan is ‘yung dati silang magkaibigan, nagkaroon ng alitan. After ng alitan nila, mas lalong lumala, lumala nang lumala hanggang sa nag-aaway na sila sa negosyo,” Ariola said.

The arrested suspect is now under police custody and will face appropriate charges.

The victim’s family and the suspect as not issued a statement.

Police continue to pursue the two remaining suspects.