Alleged gun-for-hire member shot dead

CEBU, Philippines —  A suspected member of a gun-for-hire group was shot dead by an unidentified motor-riding in tandem in Barangay San Roque, Cebu City Monday night.

The 50-year-old victim, Jorjie de Gracia, succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds to different parts of his body, resulting in his instantaneous death.

Based on initial police investigation, Gracia, who was on board his bicycle, was traversing Legaspi Street in downtown area where assailants shot him from behind.

Recovered from the crime scene were six empty shells of a .45 caliber pistol.

Police Major Joemar Pomarejos, Waterfront Police Station (Police Station 3) chief, said his station received an information of a certain Jorgie involving in a gun-for-hire prior to the shooting incident.

“The reported Jorgie and the victim are the same person,” he said.

The station chief said the victim was from northern Cebu, but the latter frequently visited an acquaintance, an alleged drug personality who lives near the port area.

Gracia’s friend is now under surveillance, said Pomarejos.

Pomarejos said the police are not discounting the possibility of Gracia being involved in illegal drug trade.

At present, police are tracing the identities of the assailants. They are also checking the closed-circuit television (CCTV) footages of the establishments on Legaspi.  KQD (FREEMAN)