American National and Wife Shot Dead in Dumaguete

911 Call Reported Shooting

According to the initial police report, the Dumaguete City Police Station received a 911 hotline call at approximately 6:08 a.m. reporting a shooting incident at the couple’s residence.

First responders immediately proceeded to the location and secured the area. The Duty Investigator-on-Case, Duty Officer of the Day and Chief of Police of Dumaguete City also responded to the scene.

Upon arrival, police found both victims inside the residence suffering from fatal gunshot wounds. Initial information provided by the victims’ caretaker indicated that she had been awakened at approximately 4:00 a.m. after seeing an unidentified male inside the house who was armed with a handgun.

The circumstances leading to the shooting remain under investigation.

Valuables Reportedly Stolen

Police are investigating the incident as a robbery with homicide, with an initial inventory indicating that several personal belongings and valuables were reportedly taken from the residence. Among the items reported missing are assorted jewelry, wristwatches, cash, a wallet containing identification and banking cards, a laptop computer, passports and an Apple Watch.

Additional cash and valuables were also reportedly missing.

The total value of the stolen property has not yet been established, as police continue to verify the inventory with the victims’ family and caretaker.

Ballistic Evidence Recovered

Crime scene processing also produced several pieces of evidence that investigators will subject to forensic and ballistic examination.

Police reported recovering:

• Two fired cartridge cases
• One slug
• One live ammunition round
• One deformed slug

The evidence has been secured for appropriate examination, including ballistic testing and cross-matching, while post-mortem and autopsy procedures will also form part of the investigation. The forensic findings could help investigators establish the circumstances of the shooting and potentially determine whether the firearm or ammunition can be linked to other evidence.

SITG “DUELL” Takes Over Investigation

NOrPPO has assembled personnel from several specialized units under SITG “DUELL” to coordinate the investigation.

The task group includes members of the:

• Provincial Intelligence Unit (PIU)
• Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Unit (PIDMU)
• Crime Laboratory/SOCO
• Dumaguete City Police Station

The combined team is expected to handle intelligence gathering, witness interviews, forensic examination, evidence processing and follow-up operations.

Investigators are also examining available CCTV footage in an effort to establish the movements of the suspect and reconstruct what happened before, during and after the shooting.

Police Vow to Solve Double Killing

PCOL Jonathan B. Abella strongly condemned the killings and said NOrPPO is dedicating its operational, tactical and forensic resources to the investigation.

“We deeply condemn this senseless and heinous act of violence.”

Abella said the creation of SITG “DUELL” is intended to ensure a focused and comprehensive investigation and vowed that authorities would leave no stone unturned until the perpetrator is brought to justice.

Investigation Continues in Bajumpandan

The shooting has shocked residents of Purok Katubhan in Bajumpandan, where the couple was found dead inside their home.

Investigators continue to pursue several leads while forensic examinations, interviews and CCTV reviews are underway.

As of the latest information available, no suspect has been publicly identified or arrested in connection with the killings.

Police are expected to release additional information as investigators establish the identity of the person responsible and determine the full circumstances surrounding the robbery and double homicide.

This report is based on information provided by the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office and additional information concerning the identities of the victims. Details may change as the investigation continues.