POSSIBLE LEADS?: Police review CCTV in businessman Buaron’s slay case

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Police have obtained closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage that may help identify the suspects in the killing of businessman Rogelio “Nonoy” Buaron last month on Premier de Mayo Street in Barangay IX.

Roxas City Police Chief Lt. Col. Ricardo Jomuad Jr. said the footage will be enhanced to clearly determine the suspects’ identities.

As of this writing, investigators have yet to file charges, though the case remains under active investigation.

On Nov. 22, 2025, police formed a task force to probe the ambush and pursue the perpetrators.

Buaron was declared dead on arrival at St. Anthony College Hospital after being rushed there in a pickup by his bodyguard.

Police said no suspect has yet been positively identified.

Initial findings indicate the attack was premeditated, with a lookout likely stationed in the area before the shooting.

Jomuad said the assailants may be professionals, based on how the ambush was executed.

The victim’s family told investigators that Buaron had received death threats before the incident.

At around 7:55 a.m., Buaron was standing outside his under-construction business with his bodyguard when two unidentified assailants approached from behind and shot him at close range.

The suspects, who were both wearing helmets and bonnets, were riding a white Honda Click motorcycle.

They reportedly came from Pavia Street and fled toward Barangay Cagay after the shooting.

Police said Buaron, who was wearing a yellow T-shirt, sustained three fatal gunshot wounds to the back, which exited through his chest, as well as another gunshot wound to the leg.

Seven empty .45-caliber shells were recovered from the scene.

A witness identified only as Toto, an employee of Buaron, told police he was unaware of anyone who may have held a grudge against the victim.

Police launched a hot pursuit operation following the incident.

Investigators said they are considering three possible motives: personal, business-related, and political.

Buaron was a known businessman who frequently visited an establishment in Barangay IX that had been robbed twice.

He previously ran for mayor of Panay town in the 2016 elections but lost.

He also owned Dream Palace Hotel in Poblacion Ilaya and was involved in Small Town Lottery (STL) operations as a “bookie,” a local term for someone who collects bets on behalf of STL operators.

Police said they are reviewing CCTV footage, ballistic evidence, and witness statements to help identify the suspects and file appropriate charges.

They also recovered Buaron’s cellphone, which was damaged by a bullet during the attack.

Buaron’s bodyguard was reportedly able to note the plate number of the suspects’ motorcycle, police added.