An unidentified gunman shot and killed an 18-year-old ex-convict in Barangay Apopong early Thursday, September 25, and police believe the attack may be linked to suspicions that the victim was working as a police asset.
Authorities identified the victim as Kyle Caliwan, a resident of Barangay Fatima, General Santos City. He sustained gunshot wounds to the face and stomach when an unidentified suspect shot him around 2 a.m. in Purok Malipayon, Apopong.
Witnesses said Caliwan called for help from nearby residents after the shooting. Residents rushed him to the hospital, but doctors later declared him dead
According to police reports, the gunman quickly fled the scene after the shooting, leaving authorities without a clear description of the suspect. Investigators from the Makar Police Station are now gathering testimonies from residents and reviewing possible motives.
Police Major Michael Angelo Quidilla, chief of the Makar Police Station, confirmed that authorities arrested the victim for robbery just last month before releasing him
Investigators are considering his background and alleged involvement with law enforcement as a possible police informant.
“We are pursuing all leads. Quidilla said in an interview that the victim may have shared information with the police before, which could have made him a target
Residents, meanwhile, expressed concern over the rising incidents of gun-related violence in their community, calling for stronger police visibility.
As of press time, Caliwan’s family has not yet claimed his remains, and a local funeral home is keeping his body. Authorities assured that they are working to identify and arrest the suspect behind the attack.
