January 17, 2026 – Taytay, Rizal, Philippines. A 23-year-old vegetable vendor was shot in the head while livestreaming her online selling business in Barangay Sta. Ana, Taytay, Rizal, shocking viewers who witnessed the crime unfold in real time. 

The victim, identified by police as alias “Paloma,” was tending to her vegetable stall along Kenneth Road, Purok 4, when the attack happened at around 7:30 p.m. on January 15.

According to the Taytay Municipal Police Station, the suspect, identified as alias “Freddie,” a 31-year-old resident of Angono, Rizal, approached the victim from behind while she was on Facebook Live. Near the end of her two-hour broadcast, the man wearing a mask and cap suddenly fired a shot to her head. 

The horrifying moment was captured on video, which quickly spread across social media platforms and drew widespread outrage.

Witnesses and online viewers immediately alerted authorities, and the victim was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she remains in critical condition. Police have launched a manhunt for the suspect, who is facing frustrated murder charges. 

“We are pursuing all leads to locate and arrest the suspect. Justice must be served for the victim and her family,” Taytay police officials said in a statement.

The incident has sparked discussions on social media about the dangers faced by small vendors who rely on online selling platforms to earn a living. Many netizens expressed sympathy for Paloma, with some calling for stricter security measures in public markets and better protection for women engaged in online commerce.

Authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack, though initial reports suggest personal conflict may have played a role. The suspect’s identity and background are being verified as police coordinate with neighboring towns to track his whereabouts.

Violence Went Live

The shooting of a young vendor while livestreaming is not just a crime, it is a warning. Violence now unfolds in real time, inside public streets and digital feeds, watched by hundreds but stopped by no one.

Online platforms give sellers visibility, not protection. Public markets offer income, not safety. When these spaces collide, workers are exposed, especially women selling alone. Virality spreads shock faster than help.

This case is not about views. It is about security gaps that let violence happen live. If crime can be seen as it happens, why is prevention always late, and who answers then?