Eatery owner shot dead in own store

CEBU, Philippines - The owner of an eatery in barangay Parian was gunned down by two unidentified men who ate at his store yesterday morning.

Initial investigation revealed that the suspects shot Rowin Sta. Rita Yap, 36, shortly after they paid for the food they ordered. Yap was rushed to the Chong Hua Hospital, but was declared dead on arrival.

The assailants reportedly arrived at Win’s Food Chain along España Street around 9am and ordered food from Yap’s mother Winena. They reportedly paid for the food in advance with a P500 bill, but because the store did not have any change, Yap went out to have the bill changed.

When he returned and handed over the change, one of the two men pulled out a gun and shot the victim several times, hitting him on different parts of his body.

Police recovered three empty shells of a 9mm caliber pistol and two deformed slugs from the crime scene.

SPO3 Rey Cuyos of Cebu City Police Office-Homicide Section said the motive of the killing remains foggy. Even Yap’s wife and mother reportedly do not have any idea of anyone who has a grudge against the victim.

Cuyos said Winena reportedly had a good look at the suspects and can identify them positively when she sees them again.

One of the suspects reportedly wore a black jacket and stood about 5’4. The two men were wearing long pants during the incident. — Niña G. Sumacot/JMO (THE FREEMAN)