Tres de Mayo Barangay Captain Oscar “Dodong” Bucol Jr. was shot dead while on Facebook Live in Digos City, Davao del Sur, days before he was scheduled to meet Vice President Sara Duterte, his legal counsel said.
Atty. Israelito Torreon, who serves as the family’s legal counsel, said Bucol had expressed a desire to speak with the vice president or, alternatively, with Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte. “He relayed to me his utmost request to have an audience with Vice President Sara Duterte or, in the alternative, Mayor Baste Duterte,” Torreon said.
Torreon explained that Bucol was not afraid of threats against his life but was concerned about them, which may have prompted him to seek a meeting with Duterte officials.
The planned meeting for November 26 did not take place because Bucol was killed on November 25 while broadcasting on Facebook Live.
Torreon added that the family intends to request a National Bureau of Investigation inquiry. “It’s not casting doubt on the PNP, but we would like a separate or parallel investigation,” he said.
The reward for information leading to Bucol’s killer has reached P2 million. Vice President Duterte offered P1 million, and Davao del Sur Governor Yvonne Cagas contributed another P1 million.
Police have yet to identify suspects or determine a motive. Torreon said the family hopes the parallel investigation and reward money will help authorities identify those responsible.
Authorities continue to gather evidence as the investigation proceeds.
