In a shocking incident that has gripped the nation, a barangay captain in Digos City, Davao del Sur was brutally gunned down while conducting a live broadcast on Facebook. The victim, identified as Oscar "Dodong" Bucol Jr., captain of Barangay Tres de Mayo, was shot inside his home's garage on the evening of Tuesday, November 25, 2025.
Police Chief, Personnel Cleared in Initial Paraffin Tests
The Special Investigation Task Group Bucol (SITG-Bucol) has provided a significant update in the high-profile case. Spokesperson PLt. Col. Venus Ortuyo confirmed that relieved Digos City police chief PLt. Col. Glenn Peter Ipong and twenty of his personnel have tested negative for gunpowder residue. The comprehensive paraffin tests were conducted on Ipong's close-in security and intelligence officers to ensure the investigation's transparency and impartiality.
Following the shooting, Ipong was relieved from his post and reassigned to the Regional Personnel Holding and Accounting Unit (RPHAU). Police Regional Office–Davao Region Director Brig. Gen. Leon Victor Rosete explained this move during a November 26 briefing, stating it was a standard protocol to prevent any perception of bias as investigators work to piece together the events leading to the killing.
Probe Continues Amid Separate Controversy Involving Ex-Official
As the murder investigation presses forward, authorities have yet to identify any confirmed persons of interest. Investigators are actively pursuing several leads, reviewing CCTV footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence to solve the crime.
In a related development, a separate controversy has emerged involving former Davao del Sur vice governor Marc Cagas. The Digos City Police Station has filed multiple complaints—including Alarm and Scandal, Grave Threat, and Direct Assault—against Cagas before the City Prosecutor's Office. Police allege that on the night of November 25, Cagas obstructed, cursed at, and threatened police officers who were responding to the shooting scene. The complaints were formally submitted on November 28, 2025.
Authorities Urge Public Against Speculation, Reward Increased to P2M
In a bid to accelerate the investigation, authorities have substantially increased the cash reward for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators. The verified bounty now stands at a substantial P2 million pesos. Officials are urging the public to come forward with any relevant information and to refrain from speculation as the SITG examines all possible angles behind the assassination.
The killing of Captain Bucol, carried out in the safety of his own home during a public livestream, has raised serious concerns about the safety of local officials. Authorities have reiterated that achieving justice for Bucol and his family remains their top priority.
