THE Davao City Police Office (DCPO) is continuing its investigation into the fatal shooting of a 32-year-old barangay staff member who was gunned down by two motorcycle-riding assailants outside the Barangay Dumoy Hall along MacArthur Highway early this week.
Police identified the victim as Henry Brion Siason Jr., 32, a barangay staff member and resident of Barangay Dumoy, near Pepsi Plant. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds in what investigators believe was a targeted attack carried out in broad daylight.
Initial findings from the Baliok Police Station showed that the shooting occurred at around 6:30 p.m., prompting an immediate police response after the station received a report of the incident at approximately 6:48 p.m.
According to investigators, Siason's 22-year-old nephew, John Sarot, a student and resident of Barangay Dumoy, witnessed the events leading up to the attack. He told police that he had been crossing MacArthur Highway when he saw his uncle standing near the barangay hall.
Moments later, two unidentified men arrived aboard a red-and-black Honda XRM motorcycle. Both suspects were dressed in black jackets and black shorts. Authorities said the motorcycle driver was wearing a black helmet, while the back rider—believed to be the gunman—was wearing a white helmet.
The witness reported hearing several gunshots before seeing Siason collapse to the ground. The suspects then sped away aboard the motorcycle, fleeing southbound along MacArthur Highway.
Bystanders rushed the victim to Malta Hospital for emergency treatment, but attending physician Dr. Laddie Ann Gonzales declared him dead on arrival.
Crime scene investigators from the Regional Forensic Unit 11-Scene of the Crime Operatives (RFU 11-Soco) immediately processed the area, documenting physical evidence and conducting a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause and manner of death. Authorities are also collecting ballistic evidence that could help identify the firearm used in the attack.
Police have launched hot pursuit operations while investigators continue reviewing available closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from establishments along MacArthur Highway in an effort to identify the suspects and trace their escape route.
As of Wednesday, authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the killing and have not disclosed whether Siason had previously received threats or if the attack was connected to his work as a barangay employee.
The DCPO said the investigation remains ongoing and appealed to members of the public who may have witnessed the shooting or possess information that could aid the case to coordinate with the Baliok Police Station. Police are also pursuing all possible angles, including personal and work-related motives, as they seek to identify and arrest those responsible for the fatal ambush. DEF
