[Updated June 25, 2026, 10:47 p.m.]
MANILA, Philippines — A newly graduated student was wounded after unidentified gunmen opened fire on him shortly after attending a graduation ceremony in Pantukan, Davao de Oro, on Thursday afternoon, police said.
The shooting occurred along the National Highway in Purok Gemelina, Barangay Kingking, according to a report from the Police Regional Office in the Davao Region (PRO 11).
Police said the victim was with family members and was about to board a yellow minivan after attending a graduation ceremony at Kolehiyo ng Pantukan when the suspects arrived in a gray minivan without license plates.
“Without any apparent reason, the suspect/s repeatedly shot the victim using a suspected .45 caliber firearm. Thereafter, the suspect/s immediately fled towards an unknown direction,” the police report said.
The victim, whose identity was withheld by authorities, was rushed to the Davao de Oro Provincial Hospital-Pantukan for treatment. Police said he is now in stable condition.
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In an interview with DZMM later on Thursday, Pantukan police chief Lt. Col. Irish Herzon Parangan confirmed that the victim had just graduated.
Investigators recovered four spent cartridge cases and one fired bullet believed to have come from a .45 caliber firearm.
Police have launched a hot pursuit operation to identify and arrest the suspects.
Meanwhile, the Pantukan local government said it was closely coordinating with law enforcement authorities to support the investigation.
“The LGU assures the public that it is committed to extending all necessary assistance and support to the victim and his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and his loved ones,” the local government said.
The local government also urged residents to remain calm and refrain from spreading unverified information, adding that the safety of students and residents remains a top priority. /cb /dm
