27/11/2025
Justice is moving forward. Two suspects have been arrested, and the search continues for the gunman.
We remain committed to seeking full justice for Panchoy. ๐๏ธ
FAST RESPONSE BY MASBATE POLICE NETS TWO SUSPECTS IN FATAL SHOOTING, SEARCH ON FOR GUNMAN
Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of a gasoline station attendant in Barangay Tugbo, Masbate City, following a swift and coordinated operation by the Masbate Police Provincial Office. Authorities continue to pursue the third suspect, assuring the public that justice will be served.
The incident occurred at around 8:00 PM on November 25, 2025, at a gasoline station in Sitio Cagba, Brgy. Tugbo. The victim, identified as โJuneโ, 23 years old, a gasoline boy, was seated beside the pump when a motorcycle carrying the suspects arrived to refuel. Without apparent provocation, the backrider disembarked and shot the victim multiple times, causing instantaneous death. The suspects then fled the scene.
Initial investigation revealed that the motive behind the killing was linked to a love triangle, which allegedly involved the victim and one of the suspects. Authorities are continuing to probe the circumstances to ensure that all angles are thoroughly investigated.
The Masbate City Police Station received the report at 8:40 PM, prompting immediate deployment of personnel to secure the area. At the crime scene, authorities recovered four fired cartridge cases for a .45 caliber firearm and one fired bullet.
A hot pursuit operation was immediately launched. This included mobile checkpoints in nearby municipalities and coordination with the Scenes of Crime Operatives (SOCO) of the Masbate Police Force Unit for technical assistance. These swift and decisive measures aimed to track down and apprehend the suspects.
Through meticulous investigation and witness identification, the suspects were positively identified as aliases โCaloyโ and โLance,โ both criminology students, and โChino,โ believed to be the gunman. All are of legal age and residents of Masbate.
On November 26, 2025, Masbate CPS personnel successfully arrested alias โCaloyโ at Brgy. Tugbo at around 9:42 AM. Later the same day, alias โLance,โ the driver of the motorcycle used in the crime, was apprehended in Brgy. Banahao, Dimasalang, Masbate at around 8:35 PM. The third suspect, alias โChino,โ remains at large, and authorities continue their manhunt.
Cases are being prepared for the arrested suspects as investigations continue.
PBGen Nestor C Babagay Jr., RD, PRO 5, commended the Masbate Police Provincial Office for their โswift, professional, and coordinated responseโ that led to the identification and arrest of two suspects within less than 24 hours.
In a statement, he said, "The swift action of the Masbate Police demonstrates our unwavering commitment to public safety. We will not rest until the remaining suspect is apprehended and brought to justice. We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the victim. The law will take its course, and justice will be served. I assure the people of Masbate that the police will continue to act decisively against all forms of criminality to ensure the safety and security of our communities."
PRO 5 reaffirms its commitment to public safety and the rule of law, promising that no effort will be spared in holding accountable those who commit violent crimes. Authorities urge anyone with information on the whereabouts of the third suspect to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation. # # #
