- Man who returned wallet charged in Digos village chief
THE MAN seen on Facebook Live returning a lost wallet to the late Barangay Tres de Mayo chairman Oscar “Dodong” Bucol has been formally charged with murder.
Brigadier General Leon Victor Rosete, director of Police Regional Office (PRO) XI, confirmed on Thursday morning that the primary suspect and three unidentified “John Does” were charged in connection with the killing.
“Regarding the SITG (Special Investigation Task Group) Bucol, we had a positive development last Feb. 27, 2026. A murder case was filed against Silvestre Derecho and three other John Does,” Rosete told reporters.
According to Rosete, the Bucol family served as the complainants. After evaluating available evidence—including social media footage and CCTV records—the family concluded that Derecho was involved in the commission of the crime.
“The family was able to assess and analyze that the person was involved. We can all see it on social media. This was the time for them to file the case against Mr. Silvestre Derecho,” Rosete added.
When asked about the three unidentified suspects, the regional director noted that CCTV footage showed multiple individuals inside a Toyota Innova at the scene.
He added that the authorities are now waiting for the court to issue a warrant of arrest.
“The investigation is ongoing and we are conducting follow-up operations. We will provide updates in due time regarding the three John Does,” he said.
Responding to queries about the potential involvement of politicians, Rosete stated that the police are still following up on leads.
He noted that while Derecho has been cooperating, the police are proceeding out of respect for the Bucol family’s decision to pursue the formal complaint.
Bucol was shot dead on the evening of November 25, 2025, while he was livestreaming on social media from the garage of his home in Digos City, Davao del Sur.
Screenshot photo from News Fort video
