Police arrested three suspects, including a dismissed Philippine National Police officer, in connection with the shooting of a 29-year-old businessman shortly after he attended his graduation ceremony in Pantukan, Davao de Oro.
The arrests were made Friday morning following a hot pursuit operation launched less than 24 hours after the June 25 shooting, according to the Police Regional Office 11.
Authorities identified the suspects as Franklin Taganait Cabatlao, whom the victim positively identified as the alleged gunman; Raymond Diez Garcia, a dismissed member of the Philippine National Police; and Roanna Taoy Colongan, whom witnesses identified as companions of the alleged shooter.
Police said the victim was about to board his service vehicle along the national highway in Barangay Kingking when the attack occurred.
During the operation, authorities recovered a caliber .45 pistol, five rounds of ammunition, one magazine and a gray minivan believed to have been used as the getaway vehicle.
Investigators said the victim identified Cabatlao during a police lineup, while witnesses identified Garcia and Colongan as being with the gunman during the incident.
Police are continuing operations to locate and arrest a fourth suspect who remains at large.
Authorities said intelligence units are conducting further case build-up while preparing frustrated murder charges against the arrested suspects through inquest proceedings before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor.
The three suspects and the recovered evidence are now under the custody of the Pantukan Municipal Police Station as the investigation continues.
