SANTO DOMINGO, Nueva Ecija, March 2, 2026 — A senior businessman and two of his staff were brutally killed inside a compound in Barangay Baloc, Santo Domingo, in what police described as a highly organized attack.

Authorities identified the victims as Romulo Sanggalang, 82, a truck dealer and landowner; his driver, Theodore Sanggalang; and household helper, Rose Yuzon. All three were found dead with gunshot wounds, their hands bound, and signs of torture inside a converted container home within the compound.

Witnesses told investigators that a gray SUV entered the compound shortly before gunshots were heard. “Base po dun sa statement ng isang witness, dalawa pong lalaki yung bumaba sa isang kulay grey na SUV,” police said, adding that they have already obtained the vehicle’s plate number and traced it through CCTV footage to San Miguel, Bulacan.

Investigators discovered that the victims’ belongings had been ransacked, with a licensed firearm and cellphones missing. Police also noted that the compound’s CCTV system had been dismantled, with the digital video recorder forcibly removed, leaving no footage of the attack.

The crime scene yielded several 9mm shell casings, which are now being examined by forensic teams. Authorities suspect robbery may have been a motive, but they are also looking into possible business-related disputes given the victim’s dealings in truck buy-and-sell and agricultural land.

The businessman’s family has already coordinated with police, with his son appealing for justice but declining to give interviews. Local officials condemned the killings, calling them a shocking act of violence in a quiet community.

Police are now tracking the suspects and the SUV seen fleeing the area, while assuring residents that intensified patrols and checkpoints will be implemented to prevent further attacks.

This incident has sparked outrage across Nueva Ecija, highlighting the growing concern over violent crimes targeting business owners in the province.