DAVAO CITY (May 26) — A police officer spent his 36th birthday behind bars after allegedly shooting and killing a 39-year-old businesswoman inside a vehicle on Palma Gil Street, Barangay 13-B, Davao City, late Sunday evening. The fatal confrontation reportedly stemmed from a dispute over access to a GCash account.
Police identified the suspect as Police Corporal Marvin Perez, 36, assigned to Police Station 15 in Ecoland. According to Police Major Richeen Lagnayo, the altercation unfolded inside a black pickup truck after the victim allegedly demanded access to Perez’s GCash mobile wallet.
“He claimed that the girl went to the place where they celebrated his birthday. When they talked inside the vehicle, there was a commotion because of the GCash—and the girl allegedly tried to grab his service firearm,” Lagnayo told Newsline Philippines.
The victim, described as a 39-year-old single mother and businesswoman, sustained four gunshot wounds to her armpit, shoulder, cheek, and breast. She was rushed to a private hospital and later transferred to the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), where she was declared dead on arrival.
After the incident, Perez fled to Sandawa, seeking shelter at his legal wife’s residence. However, she reportedly refused him entry. The officer then drove to Barangay Cogon, Digos City, where his parents reside. Police initiated a peaceful negotiation to prevent civilian harm. Perez eventually surrendered to Digos City Police and returned to Davao City, where he remains in custody.
Authorities confirmed that the victim had earlier filed a complaint against Perez for alleged abuse, under Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act.
In a statement issued on May 26, Acting City Police Director Police Colonel Hansel Marantan reminded all personnel of their sworn duty to uphold the law and maintain the highest standards of professionalism.
“All police personnel must remember that we are accountable to the law we are sworn to enforce,” Marantan said. “We assure the public that this case will be handled with due process, and the officer involved will be held legally accountable for his actions.”
Major Lagnayo also reminded fellow officers, “We urge our personnel to remain faithful to their families and avoid actions that could damage not only lives, but the integrity of our service.”
The Davao City Police Office confirmed that murder charges are being prepared against Perez. The officer is currently under restrictive custody pending the filing of administrative and criminal cases.
Edith Z Caduaya studied Bachelor of Science in Development Communication at the University of Southern Mindanao.
The chairperson of Mindanao Independent Press Council (MIPC) Inc.
