At least three suspects were arrested in connection to the shooting of a man who just graduated college in Barangay Kingking, Pantukan, Davao de Oro, on Thursday, June 25, 2026.

The alleged gunman was arrested around 10 a.m. the day after.

During the operation, the suspect allegedly took his child hostage but he was arrested, eventually, by the operating team.

“Hinostage niya ang anak niya pero, so far, na-pacify naman ng mga police natin,” Parangan added.

Police also arrested the driver of the vehicle the suspects rented and used in the crime.

The third suspect was arrested later in the afternoon with the help of several witnesses.

Authorities are preparing the charges to be filed against them.

“May mahulog po na frustrated murder and then yung most probably yung isa na gunman natin, may additional na (kasong paglabag sa) Republic Act 10591 o violations ng prohibited firearms natin,” said Pantukan Municipal Police Station OIC Chief, Lt. Col. Irish Hezron Parangan.

Police are still pursuing a fourth suspect who is allegedly the primary suspect.

SHOOTING, MOTIVE

Police said the victim was shot outside his school after attending his graduation ceremony.

He and his family were heading home on board a minivan when ambushed by the suspects who were also riding a minivan.

Other members of the family were unharmed.

The victim sustained four gunshot wounds from a caliber .45 pistol. He is in stable condition at the hospital, as of this writing.

Investigators are looking into personal grudge and love triangle as possible motives behind the attack.

“During our investigation, personal grudge po siya and may love quarrel po sila so pwede po mahulog po siya na crime of passion na sinasabi po,” Parangan said.

GMA Regional TV One Mindanao is reaching out to the victim for a statement, as of this writing.

LGU SUPPORT

Meanwhile, the local government unit has coordinated with authorities to support the ongoing investigation and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

It also vowed assistance to the victim and his family.

Pantukan Mayor Noy Ceniza said CCTV cameras installed in the town play a key role in helping resolve the case.

“Klaro kaayo na inyong mga nawong. Ug naay ingon ana, dili moundang ang among kapulisan nga gukuron gyud mo,” Ceniza said.

(With reports from Efren Mamac, GMA Regional TV One Mindanao)