MANILA – Police arrested two suspects in connection with a shooting incident that left one person dead and another wounded in Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental, on Friday, October 16, 2026, as authorities continued searching for a fourth victim whose whereabouts remain unknown.
According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), the first suspect was apprehended during a hot pursuit operation in Pamplona, Negros Oriental, while the second surrendered later that day at the residence of a barangay captain in Barangay Buenavista, Santa Catalina.
Both suspects were identified by a victim-witness as allegedly involved in the shooting.
The incident occurred in Barangay Buenavista and involved four victims. One was found dead from a gunshot wound to the head, while another sustained a gunshot injury and was taken to a district hospital for treatment.
A third victim managed to escape unharmed, while police continued efforts to locate the fourth individual and determine their condition.
Initial investigation revealed that the suspects allegedly opened fire after offering to sell a firearm, which one of the victims refused to purchase.
Investigators are also looking into a possible land boundary dispute involving the families concerned, although authorities have yet to establish the motive behind the attack.
Police recovered two fired 9mm cartridge cases and two fired .45-caliber cartridge cases from the crime scene.
The PNP said both suspects were informed of the reasons for their arrest and their constitutional rights in a language they understood.
PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed investigators to pursue all credible leads and strengthen the evidence against those allegedly responsible.
“The PNP will pursue every credible lead, strengthen the evidence against the suspects, and take the necessary legal action based on the findings of the investigation,” Nartatez said.
He also emphasized the importance of locating the missing victim and ensuring accountability for the shooting.
“Patuloy nating tututukan ang paghahanap sa biktimang naiulat na nawawala upang matiyak ang kanyang kaligtasan. Titiyakin nating makakamit ang hustisya at agad na mapapanagot sa batas ang lahat ng responsable sa krimeng ito,” he added.
Authorities are continuing their investigation and preparing the necessary case documentation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The PNP assured the public that efforts to locate the missing victim and determine the full circumstances of the shooting would continue.
