A police officer assigned to General Santos City Police Station 7 went on a shocking shooting rampage early this morning, killing a civilian passenger and injuring two police officers at a border checkpoint in Davao del Sur.
Authorities identified the suspect as Police Corporal Alfred Dawatan Sabas. His first victim, passenger Reynaldo Bigno Jr., a resident of Sitio Flortam, Barangay Batasan, Makilala, North Cotabato, was shot dead on a bus around 2:30 a.m. The motive behind the killing remains unclear.
Following the first incident, Sabas allegedly commandeered the bus, ordering the driver to continue driving toward the border control checkpoint at Barangay New Opon, Magsaysay, Davao del Sur. Upon arrival at 4:15 a.m., the bus driver sought help from two on-duty checkpoint officers, Police Corporal Kent Maurith Pamaos and Patrolman Russel Love Tapia.
However, the situation escalated when Sabas suddenly opened fire, wounding both officers in various parts of their bodies. They were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Sabas fled the scene but was apprehended during a hot pursuit operation launched shortly after the incidents. Authorities have yet to disclose further details regarding his motives or whether he acted under the influence of substances or personal grievances.
