Businessman, gunman killed in Ilog shootout

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — A businessman was killed while his alleged assailant also died during a police shootout Tuesday morning in Barangay Dancalan, Ilog, Negros Occidental.

Police identified the victim as “Pat,” 50, a resident of Barangay Dancalan.

The suspect, “Dodoy,” 34, from Barangay Pinggot, Ilog, was also killed after exchanging gunfire with police officers.

Police Maj. Randy Babor, chief of the Ilog Municipal Police Station, said the incident occurred around 7:30 a.m., shortly after Pat arrived at the village covered court.

Dodoy, who may have been tailing him, allegedly shot Pat at close range.

The victim sustained fatal gunshot wounds to the neck, with the bullet exiting through his head.

Two police officers in the area heard the gunshots and responded immediately.

They saw the suspect attempting to escape on a motorcycle.

When they tried to apprehend him, Dodoy allegedly opened fire, prompting one of the officers to shoot back, fatally hitting the suspect.

A 36-year-old tricycle driver passing by was wounded in the crossfire and is currently receiving treatment at a nearby hospital.

Police recovered a .45 caliber pistol, a .22 caliber revolver, and three spent shells at the scene.

Investigators are looking into land or property disputes as the possible motive behind the killing.

Pat reportedly owned several properties and served as chairman of a private school board.

Authorities said he had previously received threats.

They are also reviewing closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage amid suspicions that others may have been involved.

Babor said it is too early to confirm whether Dodoy was a hired gunman but confirmed that he is the primary suspect.

He added that Dodoy was previously linked to a fatal shooting incident in Barangay Pinggot last May.

Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, regional director of the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), praised the swift response of Ilog police.

He said their quick action helped prevent further casualties and protected civilians nearby.

“Our personnel displayed commendable presence of mind and courage under pressure,” Ibay said in a statement.

He added that stress debriefings will be provided to the responding officers.

The investigation remains ongoing to determine the full circumstances and motive behind the shooting.