The hunt for the assassins of a barangay captain in Digos City has gained significant momentum, with the reward for information now reaching P4 million. This comes after the brazen killing of the official, who was gunned down while conducting a live broadcast on social media.
A Shocking Attack During a Livestream
On the evening of Tuesday, November 25, 2025, Barangay Captain Oscar “Dodong” Bucol Jr. of Tres de Mayo, Digos City, Davao del Sur, was shot dead. The attack occurred while he was live on Facebook, an incident that was witnessed in real-time by viewers and sent shockwaves through the community.
The victim, known for his outspoken and often controversial political views, had previously claimed to be receiving death threats. Bucol was a vocal supporter of the Duterte family and an ally of the PDP–Laban party. He was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Rising Reward and Political Pledges
The bounty for information leading to the arrest of the assailants began to climb rapidly following the murder. On November 26, Vice President Sara Duterte and Davao del Sur Governor Yvonne Roña Cagas each pledged P1 million.
Their contributions were soon followed by other prominent figures. Davao Occidental Representative Claude Bautista added another P1 million a day later. Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte also offered a financial pledge to the growing pot.
As confirmed by the Davao del Sur Police Provincial Office, the total reward pool has officially reached P4 million as of November 30. Authorities note that several other pledges from local and national officials are still pending formalization.
Intense Manhunt and Online Speculation
The Philippine National Police has launched a full-scale investigation. Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered tracker teams mobilized across Davao del Sur and neighboring provinces. Police are working around the clock, reviewing CCTV footage, interviewing witnesses, and pursuing all leads.
The case has been mired in intense online speculation. Moments before the shooting, a resident approached Bucol to return a lost wallet and ID. After the killing, old photos from 2020 circulated on social media, suggesting a possible link between the wallet's owner and a politician Bucol had criticized. Police have not confirmed this connection and are treating it as speculation.
In response to the rumors, several top local officials have publicly distanced themselves:
- Digos City Mayor Josef Fortich Cagas condemned the attack and denied any involvement.
- Sta. Cruz Mayor Tata Sala expressed support for a full investigation.
- Governor Yvonne Cagas dismissed social media allegations linking her to the crime as "baseless" and urged the public to stop spreading unverified claims.
With the bounty now significantly increased, investigators are hopeful that more witnesses will come forward with credible information to solve this high-profile case. The police have vowed to scrutinize all leads, whether political, personal, or otherwise, as the intensive manhunt continues.
