A probationer facing illegal drug charges was shot dead by two unidentified assailants at around 11:45 p.m. on Monday, June 15, 2026, in Sitio Laray 3, Barangay Buanoy, Balamban, Cebu.
The victim was identified as Herbert Tapang Clarin, 25, a resident of Sitio Bangbang, Barangay Nangka, Balamban. He was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.
According to the investigation, two men wearing jackets and pants shot Clarin. Police Major Ian Macatangay, chief of the Balamban Police Station, told Superbalita Cebu that they received a report of the incident at around 12:40 a.m. on Tuesday, June 16.
The victim's partner, Rigene Rubellos, said they were coming from their home and borrowed a motorcycle to travel to her grandmother's house in Barangay Abucayan, Balamban.
During their trip, the victim said they would first drop by Barangay Buanoy because he had something to deliver. When they arrived at a secluded area in Sitio Laray 3, the victim got off the motorcycle and was approached by two men.
Suddenly, the assailants shot the victim multiple times. After the victim fell, the perpetrators quickly fled. The victim's partner sought help from local residents.
Macatangay said one of the motives they are looking into is illegal drugs. Investigators read messages on the victim's cellphone showing his communication with the assailants regarding the delivery of illegal drugs.
The conversation also mentioned P18,000 worth of shabu. “It is possible that there was a misunderstanding in the illegal drug transaction. We can see this in their conversation,” Macatangay said.
“It was also revealed that they would meet in a corner and secluded area in that sitio,” the official added. Police have not ruled out the possibility that the assailants took the drugs the victim was carrying after the crime.
Currently, police have persons of interest they are tracking and are conducting a hot pursuit operation against the criminals.
Macatangay also disclosed that the victim had previously been arrested for an illegal drug case but was granted probation by the court, allowing him to be released from prison.
