The National Bureau of Investigation 11 (NBI 11) has admitted facing serious obstacles in solving the brutal killing of Tres de Mayo Barangay Captain Oscar “Dodong” Bucol Jr. of Digos City, Davao del Sur, revealing that the suspected gunman is allegedly a member of a government law enforcement unit.
NBI 11 spokesperson Elias Leaño said on Wednesday that investigators struggled with the case because of the suspect’s alleged ties to government, describing the killing as “classic, well-planned, and well-organized.”
“To be honest with the public, our policemen, I myself, the NBI, we really have a hard time in solving this case. This is a very classic na case.. and we believe that the assailants are also connected with the government,” Leaño said during the Davao Peace and Security Press Corps media briefing at The Royal Mandaya Hotel.
Leaño disclosed that the initial investigation was left to local police to avoid overlapping functions that could compromise the probe.
However, he said the NBI stepped in after the victim’s family themselves requested the bureau’s involvement, prompting a parallel investigation alongside the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies.
“Our paramount goal is to have an early solution to the killing of the late Kapitan Bucol Jr.,” Leaño stressed.
According to the Leaño, the alleged involvement of a well-connected suspect has created a “wall of silence,” making it difficult to generate witnesses or informants despite reports of a P5.5-million reward.
“Kung ordinaryong kriminal lang ito, with the pot money of P5.5 million, sinusuka na ‘yan. But because he is well-connected with the government, sinong magsusumbong? Very compact sila,” Leaño said.
Despite the challenges, Leaño said investigators have obtained at least one crucial piece of evidence that could lead to a breakthrough, particularly with the cooperation of telecommunications providers to trace possible communications linked to the crime.
The killing of Bucol shocked the public in November last year after it was captured live on Facebook. On the night of November 25, shortly after 10 p.m., Bucol was streaming online while speaking with a resident who had returned a lost wallet when gunfire suddenly erupted.
Video footage showed Bucol staggering after being shot, blood visible on his hand, as he pleaded for help before the broadcast abruptly ended. He was rushed to a nearby hospital but was declared dead.
Bucol was widely known as a DDS (Diehard Duterte Supporters) supporter.
