A 38-year-old man from Panabo City, Davao del Norte sustained injuries after he was shot while having his photo taken at the Abaga Ta Bayug Falls in Talakag, Bukidnon.

Quoting the victim’s group’s tour guide, police said the victim was having his photo taken when the group suddenly heard a gunshot.

The victim then slumped to the ground as the suspect fled the area. The victim was then brought to a hospital for treatment.

Police said the suspect may have used a shotgun, based on the injuries the victim sustained.

“Kato’ng biktima, nakita na lang nila nga nahagba nga adunay samad sa iyahang dagway, tiyan ug apil na pud sa iyang liog and it was found out nga posibleng shotgun ang gigamit,” Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) Spokesperson, Major Joann Navarro, said.

Police said the suspect could be affiliated with a group claiming interest in managing the tourist spot. Authorities learned that several groups have been expressing interest in managing the area.

Investigators have already identified persons of interest.

“Daghan ga-claim niini ang Iligan City, ang Rosario sa Lanao del Sur, then Talakag. So naa’y mga grupo diha nga gailog so aduna nay persons of interest ang atoang kapulisan,” Navarro said.

Because of the incident, visits at the area have been suspended, as of this writing.

However, PRO-10 assured the public that tourist destinations in the region remain safe.

“Considering kung muingon kita og criminal group dinhi sa Region 10, wala naman kita’y criminal group nga na-monitor,” Navarro said.