An e-tricycle driver was shot dead by a fellow driver using a shotgun on Friday night, June 26, 2026, in Cattarman II, Barangay Catarman, Cordova town. The victim, Johnrey Mercado Sumagang, 35, single, and a resident of the area, was declared dead on arrival at Carahay District Hospital in Lapu-Lapu City.
Suspects identified and arrested
Based on witness statements, the Cordova Municipal Police Station immediately identified three suspects. The gunman was Manuel Orque Mejica, 58, a native of Sitio Dilamina, Barangay Bangbang, Cordova. Accomplices were Joelito Trasmil Dinoy, 52, and Richell Jumao-as Tago, 43, both from Sityo Takigan, Purok Matab-ang, Barangay Day-as, same town.
At around 8:28 p.m., the victim had just alighted from his e-tricycle after dropping off a passenger when the suspects suddenly appeared from behind and shot him with a shotgun. The perpetrators immediately fled on a tricycle.
Manhunt and recovery of evidence
Police launched a manhunt operation and at around 9:40 p.m. on the same date, the three suspects were apprehended. Recovered from them were the shotgun used, four live 12-gauge shotgun shells, one spent shell, a sling bag, and a Kawasaki 100 tricycle with plate number G109AC used in the escape.
Investigation revealed that Sumagang and Mejica had a long-standing personal grudge, the cause of which remains undetermined, and this is considered by police as the primary motive for the crime. It is believed that the suspects had been tailing the victim before the shooting.
