SABLAYAN, Occidental Mindoro — Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a 31-year-old man who allegedly shot a 22-year-old victim in the head during a nighttime incident in Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro.
The shooting reportedly happened at around 9:50 p.m. on Sunday, August 30, in Purok Masipag, Sitio Malunggay, Barangay Santo Niño, according to the Sablayan Municipal Police Station.
Police identified the alleged gunman as Eduardo Agason De Lara, 31, who remained at large as of the latest report from authorities. The identity of the 22-year-old victim has not been publicly released, and investigators have not yet disclosed further details about the circumstances or possible motive behind the shooting.
Police appeal for information
The Sablayan police station is urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could help authorities determine De Lara’s whereabouts to come forward.
Information may be reported directly to the Sablayan Municipal Police Station through 0921-272-9615 or 0998-598-5842, or by personally visiting the police station.
Authorities also issued an important warning: the public should not attempt to approach or confront the suspect. Anyone who may have information is advised to leave the apprehension to law enforcement personnel.
Police said information from witnesses and residents could help investigators establish what happened and pursue the suspect.
Shooting comes amid heightened concern over violence in Mindoro
The latest incident comes as police authorities in Mindoro have recently been addressing public concerns over a number of violent incidents.
In an Aug. 26 report, the Oriental Mindoro Police Provincial Office said several recent violent cases in the province were being treated as isolated incidents and were not considered interrelated based on authorities’ assessment at the time. The incidents cited in that report included shooting cases in Pinamalayan and Gloria.
Police have also recently emphasized the importance of relying on verified information during emergencies and avoiding speculation or the spread of unconfirmed reports. In guidance issued to schools and communities, Oriental Mindoro police warned the public against approaching dangerous areas, spreading unverified information, or sensationalizing violent incidents online.
For the Sablayan shooting, however, authorities have not publicly established a connection between this case and the other violent incidents previously reported elsewhere in Mindoro.
What remains unknown
Several key details remain under investigation, including the circumstances that led to the shooting, the possible motive, the weapon allegedly used, and the current condition of the victim.
Because the investigation is ongoing, unverified claims about the suspect, victim or alleged motive should not be treated as fact.
Authorities are particularly relying on people who may have witnessed the incident or have information that could help investigators locate the suspect.
Anyone with credible information is urged to contact the Sablayan police rather than attempting to intervene personally.
This story will be updated when authorities release additional verified information about the shooting, the victim’s condition, or the search for the suspect.
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