Authorities pursue suspect after deadly incident in Bataraza

A man lost his life around 10 p.m. on October 12 in Barangay Rio Tuba, Bataraza, Palawan.

The victim, identified as James Dengal, a local resident, was found unresponsive on Dela Chica Street, according to initial reports from the Bataraza Municipal Police Station.

Authorities said that he sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the head.

Investigators recovered several items at the scene, including a transparent plastic sachet containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, a 9mm bullet casing, a pair of Manjaru slippers, an empty plastic sachet, a black and gray tribal hat, and a Vivo Y20 cellphone.

The Bataraza police are conducting a thorough investigation and a hot pursuit operation to identify and apprehend the suspect involved in the crime.

Initial reports also indicate that the victim had previous records of involvement in robbery and drug-related activities in the area.

The investigation is ongoing.