Police authorities in Cebu City have identified suspects believed to be responsible for the fatal shooting of Barangay Sawang Calero Councilor Ramon Diamante. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, January 3, 2026.
Details of the Fatal Attack
Councilor Ramon Diamante, who was also a fish trader at the Pasil Fish Port, was gunned down by riding-in-tandem assailants while he was walking along General Gines Street in his barangay. The attack happened swiftly, leaving the community in shock.
According to Police Colonel George Ylanan, Chief of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), investigators have already named persons of interest. "We have already identified the suspects, but we are not yet disclosing their names as a manhunt operation is actively ongoing," Ylanan stated. The suspects were captured on CCTV footage near the crime scene and are reportedly also residents of the area.
Connection to Previous Shooting Incident
Colonel Ylanan revealed a crucial link in the investigation. He confirmed that this murder is related to another shooting case in the same barangay that occurred in recent weeks, which police had previously solved. "It was related to another shooting incident... because those involved belong to the same barangay. The POIs (persons of interest) or the suspects are identified. They are already the subject of a manhunt operation," he explained.
This connection suggests a possible motive rooted in local conflicts. Police have already gathered witnesses who were able to recognize the suspects from the CCTV video evidence.
Expanding Investigation and Manhunt
Further analysis of security camera footage from the vicinity indicates that more than two individuals were involved in the crime. Investigators believe there were accomplices present in the area who may have acted as lookouts or provided critical information about the victim's movements to the gunman and motorcycle driver.
The Sawang Calero Police Station, which is familiar with the suspects, is leading the intensified pursuit. The police are leveraging all available resources to track down and apprehend the individuals involved in this brazen attack on a local official.
