DIGOS CITY (November 26) — The killing of Barangay Tres de Mayo Captain Oscar “Dodong” Bucol has sent shockwaves across Digos City, prompting strong condemnation from Mayor Josef Cagas and a ₱1-million reward offer from Vice President Sara Duterte to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest of those responsible.
At approximately 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, while Bucol was conducting a livestream, unidentified assailants launched the attack. He was brought to the hospital but later expired.
Mayor Cagas, who had been publicly criticized by Bucol through a series of livestreams on social media, called the attack “senseless and unacceptable,” emphasizing that despite their political disagreements, he never wished harm upon the barangay official.
He stressed that Bucol’s allegations online were not new and had been raised by other political rivals in previous elections, adding that criticism is part of public service and that he has never retaliated against opponents. Cagas assured the public that the city government, in coordination with the Digos City police, is committed to pursuing justice, maintaining peace and order, and protecting the community from further acts of violence. He also extended his condolences to Bucol’s family and loved ones as the investigation deepens.
Attorney Israelito Torreon, legal counsel of PDP-Laban in a press conference said the Vice President offered reward for the arrest the perpetrators.
Torren said, Bucol is the provincial charperson of PDP, a political party.
Bucol, known for his outspoken commentaries, had previously expressed respect for Sta. Cruz Mayor Nelson “Tata” Sala but questioned the mayor’s reaction to an earlier incident involving a police officer, saying in one of his livestreams that he did not understand why he was being dragged into the issue. His remarks, though controversial, reflected the bold and unfiltered tone that made him both influential and polarizing online.
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