A small-scale miner was killed after he and a companion were ambushed by unidentified suspects while traveling on a motorcycle in a mountainous area of Barangay Calapagan, Lupon, Davao Oriental on March 11, 2026.
Authorities identified the victim as Perlito Flores, a small-scale miner from Mati City.
In an interview with Brigada Mati, PLt. Brix dela Cerna, deputy chief of the Lupon Municipal Police Station, confirmed the incident. Flores died in the attack, while his companion survived but was injured and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital. The identity of the survivor has not been disclosed.
Dela Cerna said investigators are looking into information that the victims may have been carrying gold at the time of the ambush.
Noli Bandayanon, a cousin and co-worker of Flores, told Brigada that the suspects may have learned the victim was carrying about 50 grams of gold, which may have been the motive behind the attack.
Bandayanon said Flores had left earlier to buy gasoline because they were worried about a possible increase in fuel prices. The ambush occurred while they were on the way.
Meanwhile, Flores’ live-in partner, Judith Cabuga, said several of the victim’s belongings were missing after the incident. These included his bag and wallet, which may have been taken by the suspects.
Police have not yet identified the suspects.
The Lupon Municipal Police Station said an investigation is ongoing to determine the identities of the attackers and the circumstances surrounding the ambush.
