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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Mindanao devider NBI yet to identify Bucol murder brains

NBI yet to identify Bucol murder brains

Published Jan 7, 2026 05:59 pm
DAVAO CITY – The National Bureau of Investigation-Davao disclosed on Wednesday, Jan. 7, that they are having a hard time pinpointing the mastermind behind the killing of a barangay chairman in Digos City, Davao del Sur last December.
NBI-Davao special investigator Elias Leaño said that they and other investigating agencies are still conducting a deeper probe on the killing of Barangay Tres de Mayo Chairman Oscar Bucol Jr.
Initial investigation showed that the assailant could be a member of a government law enforcement unit, Leaño said.
In a press briefing, Leaño added that the killing of Bucol was well-planned and well-organized.
With a reward of P5.5 million, Leaño said that they would have already known the killer. “That if it was just an ordinary killer. But because he is well-connected, sino ang magsusumbong (who will complain)? Very compact sila (They are very compact).”
Leaño bared that the manner of killing Bucol had the signature of previous incidents in the region.
He recounted there were two previous incidents in the region that employed a sniping technique.
Bucol was shot while live streaming in his Facebook page. He was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead from a bullet wound in the chest.
Initial investigation showed that the assailants were onboard a Toyota Innova.
Authorities could no longer trace the vehicle. “It’s gone. It could have been repainted, disassembled then may have been disposed every part. We don’t know yet.”
Leaño believes politics could be behind the killing of Bucol, who was aggressive in criticizing his political opponents.
He added that the NBI is looking at five persons of interest. Leaño admitted that the NBI could not yet link assailants to the persons of interest as they have yet to apply for a cyber warrant.
The NBI official said they will seek assistance from telecom companies in reviewing Bucol's call and text message logs.
Leaño said that once they secure the cyber warrant, it could help investigators piece the missing link of the case.
“May idea kami kung sino gumagawa (We already have an idea who did it),” he said. “However, we cannot just file a case if we don’t have that object evidence.”

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NBI Digos City Chairman Oscar Bucol Jr.
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