Two Suspects Apprehended in Shooting of Balamban Barangay Councilor, Alleged Political Motive Revealed
In a significant breakthrough, police in Balamban have successfully arrested two suspects believed to be responsible for the shooting of Barangay Cantuod Councilor Renato Pacquiao Tribunalo. The incident occurred on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at approximately 4:00 PM inside the victim's residence, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Suspects Identified and Captured in Coordinated Police Operation
The apprehended individuals have been identified as Robert Borres Alcantara, 42, from Sityo Mangabon, Barangay Tagbao, a mountainous area in Cebu City, and Roger Doncillo, 48, from Sityo Liputon II, Barangay Cabasiangan, Balamban. Additionally, a third person, 21-year-old John Lloyd Leyson Medio from Sityo Lacdon, Barangay Cabasiangan, was taken into custody for obstructing police efforts to arrest Doncillo.
On Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 11:41 AM, Balamban police, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Ruel Burlat, initiated a manhunt operation in Barangay Tagba-o, Cebu City, after the suspects' names emerged in connection with the shooting. Councilor Tribunalo positively identified Alcantara and Doncillo as the perpetrators based on CCTV footage retrieved from his home and other locations within Barangay Cantuod.
By 5:00 PM that same day, authorities successfully captured Alcantara in Barangay Tagba-o. Following his confession, which implicated his accomplice, police moved swiftly to arrest Doncillo at 7:00 PM in Sityo Liputon II. Medio was also charged with Obstruction of Justice and Disobedience with police officers for interfering during the arrest.
Evidence Collected and Shocking Confession Unveils Political Conspiracy
During the operation, police seized critical evidence, including a black XRM motorcycle without a license plate, which was allegedly used in the crime, along with hats, jackets, and short pants matching those seen in the CCTV footage. In a startling revelation, Alcantara and Doncillo confessed to shooting Councilor Tribunalo, claiming they were hired by a fellow barangay councilor to intimidate the victim.
According to their statements, the agreement was to merely threaten Councilor Tribunalo, not to kill him, in exchange for a payment of P30,000. This plot was reportedly linked to the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Elections in November 2026, with Tribunalo rumored to be considering a run for barangay captain. However, the suspects expressed frustration, alleging they were only paid P2,000 after completing the job and returning the firearm used in the shooting.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about political violence and corruption at the local level, as authorities continue to investigate the involvement of other individuals. The arrests mark a crucial step in ensuring justice for Councilor Tribunalo and maintaining public safety in Balamban.
