BIR Examiner Shot Dead in Mandaue City

Police are expanding their investigation into the killing of a Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) examiner who was shot dead inside his vehicle early Thursday morning, December 11, 2025, in Mandaue City.

Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and collecting information to identify the suspects behind the fatal attack.

The Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) identified the victim as Duke Ramil Perral Lincuna, a certified public accountant and lawyer who resided in Barangay Lamac, Consolacion.

His death immediately drew condemnation from the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Cebu Chapter, which urged authorities to expedite the investigation, noting that more than 10 lawyers have been attacked since 2004.

Police found Lincuna lifeless inside his Isuzu Crosswind along Sacris Road in Purok 8, Barangay Bakilid, at around 5:50 a.m. Thursday. Responding officers reported bullet holes on the vehicle and shattered glass on the driver’s side, indicating that Lincuna had been shot multiple times at close range.

He was rushed to the Mandaue City District Hospital but was declared dead on arrival after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds, including one to the head.

Lt. Col. Mercy Villaro, spokesperson of the MCPO, said Lincuna was ambushed by two unidentified men riding a motorcycle. She said one of the suspects positioned himself facing backward on the motorcycle to secure a clear aim at the victim.

According to investigators, the suspects opened fire as Lincuna’s vehicle slowed down, then immediately fled after firing several shots.

Villaro said the number and pattern of bullet casings suggest the assailants were chasing Lincuna before and during the shooting. Authorities recovered at least 10 shell casings of an undetermined firearm from the scene.

“In the investigation, we will look into his work, his personal life, his family, his friends, everything that can help lead us to whoever killed our victim,” Villaro said. “We cannot say yet if this was work-related or personal. The investigation is ongoing.”

Investigators also collected documents, clothes, and red envelopes containing money from inside the vehicle. The envelopes, Villaro noted, are commonly used as holiday gifts and will be examined as part of the probe.

She added that Lincuna handled large-scale properties and businesses in his role as a BIR examiner, and this aspect of his work will be considered as a possible motive.

Police are currently retrieving and reviewing closed-circuit television footage from the surrounding areas to trace the movements of both the victim and the suspects. Initial descriptions indicate that both assailants were wearing pants, but authorities are working to gather clearer images from additional cameras.

Villaro said investigators are continuing to interview potential witnesses and review evidence gathered from the scene. The MCPO is expected to provide additional updates as the investigation progresses.

Meanwhile, the legal community expressed alarm over the incident. The Office of the National Director for Communications of the IBP 27th Board of Governors issued a statement offering condolences to Lincuna’s family and denouncing the attack.

“Violence cannot be permitted to shape the fate of those who serve the rule of law,” the statement said.

The IBP Cebu Chapter said it is coordinating closely with law enforcement agencies to implement enhanced security measures for its members.

In its statement, the group emphasized its commitment to “actively coordinating with law enforcement agencies to implement enhanced security and protective measures for its members, ensuring the right of all lawyers to practice without fear of reprisal or violence.”

Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the killing, and the suspects remain unidentified. The MCPO has assured the public that the investigation is being prioritized.