Tanod, trisikad driver shot dead in Talisay

CEBU, Philippines — Two people, including the chief tanod of Barangay Tanke, Talisay City, were shot dead by unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen Wednesday afternoon.

Police identified the victims as Nonilito Abay, 46, resident of Sitio Salvador, Barangay Tanke, and Joel Melicar, 33, resident of Sitio Sawsawan in the same barangay.

Abay, chief tanod of Barangay Tanke, was with his wife when the gunmen came and shot him without any provocation.

After shooting Abay, the gunmen sped off on board a black motorcycle but Melicar, a trisikad driver, tried to block them, prompting the assailants to also shoot him.

Both Abay and Melicar died on the spot. Crime scene investigators recovered several slugs and empty shells for caliber .45 pistol at the crime scene.

Talisay City Police Station chief Supt. Marlu Conag said they are looking at personal grudge and work-related as possible motives in the shooting of Abay. Law enforcers are also checking if there were previous threats to his life.

Perla Cabanes, barangay administrator of Tanke, said Abay was their chief tanod for the past six years.

Abay was reportedly active in the campaign against illegal drugs and other activities concerning peace and order. (FREEMAN)