Buko Vendor Survives Brazen Daylight Shooting in Zamboanga City
In a shocking incident that unfolded in broad daylight, a worker at a tender coconut outlet in Zamboanga City survived a gun attack, although he sustained serious wounds. The Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) confirmed the event occurred on Thursday, January 22, 2026, around 12:57 p.m., sending ripples of concern through the local community.
Details of the Attack
The victim has been identified as Jeffry Dela Cruz, a 33-year-old resident of Victoria village in Zamboanga City. According to initial police investigations, Dela Cruz was diligently tending to his duties at the Halubi Food Stall, located along the bypass road in Pasonanca village, when the assault took place. Two men, riding tandem on a motorcycle, abruptly stopped in front of the tender coconut outlet. One of the assailants then repeatedly shot Dela Cruz, leaving him with multiple gunshot wounds before the duo swiftly fled the scene.
Police Response and Evidence
The ZCPO reported that the suspects were both clad in jackets and wore full-face crash helmets, making their identification challenging. They escaped towards Cabatangan village, evading immediate capture. At the crime scene, police recovered four empty shells from a caliber .45 pistol, providing crucial forensic evidence for the ongoing investigation. Dela Cruz was promptly rushed to a hospital, where he is currently receiving medical treatment for his injuries. His survival has been hailed as fortunate given the severity of the attack.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are actively working to establish the motive behind this violent act and to identify the suspects involved. The brazen nature of the shooting, occurring in a public area during daylight hours, has raised alarms about safety and security in Zamboanga City. The police have assured the public that they are pursuing all leads and will continue their efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in such cases.
