ALBUERA, LEYTE — A 47-year-old former police officer was gunned down inside a crowded cockpit arena in Sitio Gungab, Barangay Poblacion, Albuera, Leyte, on Sunday afternoon, August 3, 2025.
According to the Police Regional Office–Eastern Visayas, the victim — a resident of Ormoc City who had been absent without leave (AWOL) since 2007 — was watching a cockfight when an unidentified gunman suddenly open fired.
Witnesses said the assailant used an unknown-caliber firearm, striking the former officer multiple times in different parts of his body. He died on the spot.
The attack caused immediate chaos, sending gamblers, bettors, and cockpit personnel fleeing in all directions.
Authorities noted that no other individuals were hurt during the incident.
Responding swiftly to the scene, personnel from the Albuera Municipal Police Station cordoned off the area and launched an in-depth investigation.
A hot pursuit operation is ongoing to identify and arrest the suspect, who remains at large as of press time.
Police have yet to establish the motive behind the killing, but are looking into personal grudge, past police-related cases, and possible criminal involvement during the victim’s years outside of active duty.
This is the latest in a series of gun-related incidents in Leyte, further fueling concerns about illegal firearms and unresolved vigilante-style killings in the region.
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