Ex-tanod chief shot dead in Cebu City; unknown shooter kills man in Danao

CEBU, Philippines - A former barangay tanod chief was shot dead by an unknown assailant yesterday morning along General Maxilom Avenue Extension in Barangay Carreta.

Ernest Villaflor, 55, resident of the said barangay, succumbed to a single gunshot wound in the forehead.

Homicide investigator Alex Dacua said the victim was on his way to buy cigarette at a nearby sari-sari store when a lone gunman suddenly appeared and shot him without any provocation.

The victim reportedly died on the spot while the unknown gunman fled on foot. Homicide investigators did not find any physical evidence at the crime scene. There were also no witnesses who have come forward to help in the investigation.

In another shooting incident, a certain Erlge Lowel Cane of Danao City died of multiple gunshot wounds after a motorcycle-riding gunman fired at him yesterday morning.

The victim was opening the gate of his house when the unidentified gunman shot him several times. Cane sustained gunshot wounds in the stomach, at the back, and right side of his body.

He was brought to Cebu Provincial Hospital in Danao City but was pronounced dead on arrival. The police are still investigating the possible motive behind the killing.

However, the family of the victim pointed to a certain Gerson Enriquez as possible suspect because the latter was the last person whom the victim had a fight with. The police are expected to invite Enriquez for questioning.

SPO1 Rodrigo Roble, investigator, said four empty shells of caliber .40 were recovered at the crime scene.

In Moalboal, Jerry Gabato, 43, of Barangay Basdiot was injured in the right leg after he was hit by a stray bullet.

The victim was with his friends having a drinking session when an unknown person fired his gun at the middle of an argument with his girlfriend.

The unidentified person also fled with his girlfriend after the incident. — (FREEMAN)