Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) 7 arrested a suspect in the shooting to death of a barangay chairman and his wife in the Municipality of Asturias, Cebu Province.

The shooting incident happened on March 14, 2023. The suspect was arrested on February 17, 2025, or after nearly two years. 

The suspect was identified as Robert Ubalde, alias “Obet,” 26 years old, a driver, and owner of the motorcycle used reportedly by the gunman in perpetrating the crime against Barangay Manguiao Chairman Mario Tundag, and wife Edna Tundag.

Ubalde was collared in Barangay Subangdaku, Mandaue City by virtue of a warrant of arrest.

According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Regino Maramag, chief of the Intelligence Section of CIDG 7, the suspect was identified though a CCTV footage that the CIDG Provincial Field Unit 7 obtained from the municipality.

The couple were on board their motorcycle from adjacent Balamban town on their way home when motorcycle-riding men tailed them. The culprits shot the victims dead along the national highway in Barangay Poblacion, Asturias.

Witnesses identified positively the suspect through the CCTV footage.

A case for multiple murder was filed against Ubalde, including the gunman.

It was also learned that the gunman has already been imprisoned after he was nabbed by the Mandaue City Police on September 17, 2024 for alleged peddling of illegal drugs.

Further, it was learned that Ubalde harbored a grudge against Tundag.

The gunman received reportedly P40,000 for perpetrating the slay.