A 30-year-old member of a demolition team was shot dead during a supposed illegal demolition in San Roque, Bangkal, Davao City.
The man sustained a gunshot wound in the chest.
Police said the demolition was carried out by around 200 people dawn on Wednesday, January 29, 2025.
The shooting happened when the demolition resulted in a commotion between the team and residents in the area.
Authorities said the leader of the demolition team may have shot his companion accidentally during the commotion.
The suspect, a cousin of the victim, is being pursued, as of this writing.
“Kaning isa ka suspek nato nga nagdala og unidentified firearm, nagpabuto siya gumikan kay na-trap siya sa isa ka alley sa maong lugar sa may Bangkal, mao to nagpabuto siya. Accidentally, iyahang napusilan iyahang kauban rapud nga nag-illegal demolish sa maong lugar,” Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Spokesperson, Captain Hazel Caballero Tuazon, said.
Up to 65 people were also arrested and nine minors were rescued.
Police said the demolition was illegal as it was implemented without coordination with the police and barangay officials.
“Dapat i-follow ang proper procedure sa pagpahawa sa mga tao sa isa ka lugar para maiwasan ang ingnon ani ba nga naay patay nga mahitabo,” Tuazon added.
The family of the victim said it is impossible for the suspect to shoot his cousin.
“Pagka-igo sa akong ig-agaw og baril, butak nami, nanagan nami unya pagtuo namo nga wala siya naigo kay ang nagbaril sa iyaha, nakadagan naman pud gud,” the victim’s family said.
They also denied that the improvised guns recovered belong to them.
“Ang mga sumpak didto pud, ang bitbit lang gyud baya namo, martilyo lang ug maso, pangguba ra gyud na og balay, wala nay lain,” the victim’s family added.
Police are awaiting the decision of the victim’s family on whether or not they will press charges against the suspect.
The suspect is also facing charges for violation of the election gun ban.