Manhunt Intensifies as Reward for Barangay Captain's Killers Hits P4 Million
The community of Barangay Tres de Mayo in Digos City continues to mourn the tragic death of their leader, Barangay Captain Oscar “Dodong” Bucol Jr., as the fifth night of his wake was held on Sunday, November 30, 2025. Family, friends, and residents gathered to pay their final respects to the official who was shot dead while live streaming from his residence on the evening of November 25, 2025.
Rising Reward for Justice
The financial incentive for information leading to the arrest of the assailants is growing rapidly. The bounty saw a significant increase starting November 26 after Vice President Sara Duterte and Davao del Sur Governor Yvonne Roña Cagas each committed P1 million. Their contributions were followed by another P1 million from Davao Occidental Representative Claude Bautista a day later, and a further contribution from Acting Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte.
As confirmed by the Davao del Sur Police Provincial Office, the total confirmed reward money now stands at a staggering P4 million as of November 30. There are also unverified reports that the victim's father has pledged an additional P1 million, further amplifying the call for credible information.
A Shocking Attack and Online Speculation
Captain Bucol was known as an outspoken leader with strong political stances. He was a vocal supporter of the Duterte family and a PDP–Laban ally who frequently defended Governor Cagas while criticizing other local officials. He had publicly stated that he was receiving death threats prior to the fatal attack.
The killing occurred during a Facebook livestream, a moment captured and shared widely, sending shockwaves through the community and fueling intense online speculation. Moments before the shooting, a resident had approached Bucol to return a lost wallet and ID. In the aftermath, social media users circulated old photos, suggesting a potential link between the wallet's owner and a politician previously criticized by Bucol. However, the police have not confirmed these speculations.
Investigation and Official Denials
In response to the brazen killing, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched a massive manhunt. Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has ordered police in Davao del Sur and nearby provinces to mobilize all available resources. This includes deploying tracker teams, enhancing intelligence-sharing, and conducting round-the-clock operations such as reviewing CCTV footage, interviewing witnesses, and sweeping possible hideouts.
The case has also triggered a wave of denials from top local officials who found themselves implicated by online rumors. Digos City Mayor Josef Fortich Cagas and Sta. Cruz Mayor Tata Sala both condemned the killing and expressed support for a full investigation, denying any involvement. Governor Yvonne Cagas dismissed the social media allegations linking her to the crime as “baseless” and urged the public to avoid spreading unverified claims.
With the reward now significantly increased, authorities are hopeful that more witnesses will come forward. Police have assured the public that every lead, whether political, personal, or otherwise, is being thoroughly scrutinized as the investigation continues to unfold.
