Lapu-Lapu City Customs Broker Fatally Shot in Remote Area, Police Launch Investigation
In a tragic incident that has shocked the community, a 42-year-old licensed customs broker was shot dead in Sitio Bukid-bukid, Barangay Pajac, Lapu-Lapu City, on February 4, 2026. The victim's body was discovered in a secluded location, prompting an immediate response from local authorities.
Police Scrutinize CCTV Footage in Ongoing Probe
During a press briefing held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, Police Captain Edcel Petecio, spokesman for the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LCPO), confirmed that investigators are actively reviewing closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from areas near the crime scene. The goal is to gather crucial evidence that could lead to identifying the perpetrators and determining the motive behind the killing.
"Our investigators are backtracking through the CCTV footage from the surrounding locations. Hopefully, we can obtain evidence through the CCTV," stated Petecio, emphasizing the depth of the case examination. He noted that the City Intelligence Unit is assisting in collecting information to piece together the events of that fateful night.
Discovery of the Victim and Initial Findings
According to initial investigations, the victim was found by a concerned citizen who was cycling through the remote area. The citizen promptly alerted the police after noticing the body was bleeding. The shooting occurred on Wednesday, February 4, at approximately 8:30 PM.
The victim has been identified as a resident of Yati, Liloan, who worked from home as a financial analyst for a company based in the Mactan Economic Processing Zone (MEPZ) in Lapu-Lapu City. Petecio clarified that, based on statements from the victim's family, he was a licensed customs broker but had not been practicing his profession recently.
Motive Remains Unclear as Robbery Is Ruled Out
Investigators have yet to establish a clear motive for the crime. Petecio added that no witnesses have come forward, although residents reported hearing two gunshots. Robbery has been dismissed as a possible motive because none of the victim's personal belongings, including his motorcycle, were missing.
Based on an assessment of the crime scene, it is believed that the victim had dismounted from his motorcycle before being shot. The distance from the motorcycle to where the body was found is estimated to be between two to three meters. Authorities also observed that houses were approximately 15 to 20 meters away from the crime scene, but the area is described as quiet and sparsely populated.
Details on the Victim's Injuries and Next Steps
The victim sustained four gunshot wounds. However, authorities are still determining whether these resulted from four separate bullets or from "through-and-through" wounds. The investigation continues as police work to unravel the circumstances surrounding this violent act and bring those responsible to justice.
