ORMOC CITY– Police in Capoocan, Leyte launched an intensive manhunt after a shooting in Barangay Pinamopoan left a local speedboat operator injured and struggling for life on January 8, 2026.
The victim, identified as alias “Joven,” a member of the Capoocan Fisheries Law Enforcement Team (FLET) and a resident of Barangay Culasian, was found lying face down near a resort cottage with a gunshot wound to the head when authorities arrived.
Initial reports and witness statements from the resort owner indicate that the suspects, alias “Darwin” and alias “Dong-Dong,” both residents of Barangay Pinamopoan, had been drinking with the victim earlier in the afternoon. About an hour later, a gunshot was heard, and the suspects were seen fleeing the scene.
During the ensuing hot pursuit operation, alias “Dong-Dong” voluntarily surrendered to police and is now under custody for investigation. Meanwhile, alias “Darwin” remains at large, prompting ongoing intensified manhunt operations by the Capoocan Municipal Police Station under Lt. Sergio Llaneta III, Officer-in-Charge.
Llaneta assured the public that the incident will not go unanswered and urged residents to report any information that could lead to the arrest of the remaining suspect. The motive behind the shooting is still under investigation, and authorities are working to expedite the filing of appropriate charges.
The Capoocan Police emphasized their continued commitment to maintaining peace and order in the municipality while ensuring justice is served.
(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)
