DAVAO CITY – A barangay captain in Digos City, Davao del Sur province, who had been openly criticizing local officials for alleged anomalous projects, was shot while streaming live on his Facebook page inside his residence at around 9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25.
Police identified the victim as Oscar “Dodong” Bucol Jr. of Barangay Tres de Mayo.
Bucol was streaming live while talking to an elderly man who had returned a lost wallet when the first gunshot rang out, abruptly interrupting the broadcast.
Seconds later, Bucol was seen running in front of the camera, clutching his right shoulder.
The live stream continued until he collapsed on the ground, still pleading for help from companions inside his residential compound.
He was rushed to the hospital where he was declared dead.
Bucol had frequently criticized some politicians in Davao del Sur through his Facebook page and said he was unfazed by threats to his life.
The Davao del Sur Police Provincial Office has formed a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to conduct a deeper probe into the killing.
“Initial assessments have identified possible persons of interest, based on individuals previously mentioned by the victim in his earlier social media posts,” the DSPPO said Wednesday, Nov. 26.
Authorities are gathering further evidence, including Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) footage, and appealed to the public to cooperate and provide any information that may assist in the speedy resolution of the case.
News of Bucol’s shooting prompted his constituents to gather at his residence and at the hospital where he was taken. (Keith Bacongco)
