On June 26, 2026, 35-year-old e-tricycle driver Johnrey Mercado Sumagang was shot dead shortly after arriving home in Sitio Catarman 2, Barangay Catarman, Cordova. He was rushed to Carahay District Hospital in Lapu-Lapu City, where he was declared dead.
Suspects Identified and Arrested
The Cordova Municipal Police Station identified the suspects as Manuel Orque Mejica, 58, of Sitio Dilamina, Barangay Bangbang, who allegedly fired the fatal shot; Joelito Trasmil Dinoy, 52; and Richell Jumao-as Tago, 43, both from Sitio Takigan, Purok Matab-ang, Barangay Day-as. Witnesses told investigators that Sumagang had just stepped out of his e-tricycle after completing a trip when the suspects approached from behind. Mejica allegedly shot the victim with a shotgun without warning. The suspects then fled on a tricycle.
Manhunt and Evidence Recovery
Police launched a manhunt and arrested the three suspects at 9:40 p.m. on the same day. They recovered the shotgun believed to be the murder weapon, along with four live 12-gauge shotgun shells, one spent shell, a sling bag, and a Kawasaki 100 tricycle with plate number G109AC used to escape.
Motive and Charges
Investigators said Sumagang and Mejica had a long-standing dispute over an undetermined issue, considered the motive. Authorities believe the suspects tailed the victim until he reached the attack site. The three suspects remain in custody while police prepare to file murder charges.
