Trader slain in Carcar; body of missing man found in Cebu City

CEBU, Philippines -  A hog trader was shot dead by a still unidentified man at past 2 p.m. in Barangay Valencia, Carcar City last Thursday.

The victim, Conrado Regis, 54, succumbed to several gunshot wounds. He was declared dead on arrival at the Carcar Provincial Hospital.

Police said the gunman also took away P10,000 from him.

Initial investigation revealed that Regis and his live-in partner Leonila Bation have just arrived from Barangay Poblacion were they bought feeds for the swine. Regis lingered at the bench outside the house.

Bation admitted hearing seven bursts of fire but she reportedly just ignored it until her neighbor informed her that it was actually Regis that was shot. Bation said she rushed outside and saw Regis lying immobile on the bench and was covered with blood.

Investigation is ongoing to determine the motive of the killing.

Meanwhile, in Cebu City, a taxi driver who was reported missing was found dead in Barangay Pulangbato early morning yesterday. 

Pablo Otadora, 42, of Barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City was found already in a state of decomposition at a grassy area by a church helper and several acolytes who were exercising.

Police Officer 1 Salvador Cabasa Jr. said the body was facing the ground and was covered with leaves from a Hagonoy bush. They also noticed that the victim had no shoes and his feet were covered in blood. A P100 cash was found near the victim's body.

The body has been subjected to an autopsy to determine the real cause of death.

Two witnesses said they reportedly saw a taxi parked in the area when they passed by it. When they walked back, the taxi was reportedly still there but no one was inside the vehicle.

The taxi was later found abandoned in Barangay Tejero and the driver remained missing until yesterday. 

Regis' wife, Rosalinda, said her husband had gone missing for two nights. —JMO (FREEMAN)