Army reservist shot dead

CEBU, Philippines —  An Army reservist of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Central Command was shot dead Friday dawn by two unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen in Barangay Bulacao, Cebu City.

Police identified the victim as Joel Apor, 40, resident of Greyhound Subdivision in Kinasang-an, Pardo. Police Maj. John Kareen Escober, Pardo Police Station chief, said the victim was also the president of the organization of habalhabal drivers in Sitio Panagdait, Barangay Mabolo.

Police eyed personal grudge as possible motive in the killing because the victim allegedly had a fight with an Angkas driver in Panagdait a day before he was shot dead. Escober said the victim allegedly drove away Angkas drivers from Panagdait because he blamed them for their loss of income.

“Kay kini kuno syang tawhana (victim) presidente sa habalhabal  didto sa may Panagdait dapit naa syay nakalalis na Angkas driver, iyang gipapahawa sa ilang pwesto kay ang mga habalhabal lagi kay wala nay pasahero, ang iyang nakalalis murag nasuko, gibanggaan kuno siya iyang gikulata,” Escober said.

Apor was at a barbecue stall waiting for his order at around 12:40 a.m. yesterday when he was shot several times. The assailants fled towards Poblacion Pardo on board a motorcycle. Escober said that witnesses failed to recognize the assailants.

But, Escober said he already instructed his investigators to look for the Angkas driver whom the victim had a fight with a day before he was killed. Escober said they consider the Angkas driver as person of interest.

Police also did not discount the possibility that the shooting was related to his being an Army reservist.  FPL (FREEMAN)