Police Regional Office 8 (PRO 8) arrested two suspects after shooting a senior citizen farmer in Barangay Uyawan, Carigara, Leyte, on Thursday, September 4.

According to the authorities, the 64-year-old victim, named alias “Gil," was chopping firewood in front of his house when the suspects, who were riding a gray car, stopped nearby around 3:26 p.m.

The gunman, known by the alias 'Omik,' allegedly extended his arm out of the front passenger window and shot the victim in the back before fleeing with the driver, identified as 'Roy,' toward the national highway.

Carigara Municipal Police Station (MPS) personnel immediately launched a hot pursuit operation led by Police Brigadier General Jason Capoy, and coordinated with patrollers and neighboring municipalities. Witnesses assisted in the pursuit by throwing stones at the fleeing vehicle, shattering its rear left window.

Additionally, investigators also recovered a fired cartridge case at the crime scene.

Around 4:35 p.m. on the same day, a checkpoint operation was conducted by the Babatngon Municipal Police Station (MPS) at Sitio Tab-ang, Barangay District 3, Babatngon, Leyte, and successfully intercepted the suspects’ vehicle.

The operation resulted in the apprehension of the suspects and the confiscation of a .45 caliber Rock Island M1911A1-CS pistol with four live rounds, a cellphone, a stone reportedly thrown by witnesses, and the vehicle used in their escape.

The suspects, along with the confiscated evidence, are currently undergoing documentation and will be turned over to the Carigara MPS for proper disposition.

Moreover, PBGen. Capoy praised the swift action and coordination of the Carigara MPS, Babatngon MPS, and neighboring police units, emphasizing that the prompt arrest of the suspects was made possible through the PNP’s proactive efforts and strong collaboration with the community.