Cops looking at old cases behind lawyer's shooting

CEBU, Philippines —  The Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LLCPO) will be looking at the previous cases handled by the lawyer who was shot by unidentified perpetrators in Barangay Pajac, Lapu-Lapu City last Saturday morning.

Police Colonel Clarito Baja, LLCPO chief, said they will be checking the previous cases handled by lawyer James Joseph Gupana, 74, of Barangay Pajac, Lapu-Lapu City, to see if any of his cases had something to do with the attack.

Gupana was shot by a riding-in-tandem while he was driving his vehicle going to his office in Centro, Mandaue City last Saturday morning. Gupana was still able to drive himself to the Mactan Doctors Hospital for immediate treatment. He sustained gunshot wounds on the left side of his body and his shoulder.

At present, Gupana is still in the hospital and is recovering.

Baja said they are currently looking for witnesses to the incident that could help them in the identification of the suspects.

"Ongoing pa aming investigation kay naa pa sa hospital ang biktima, dili pa sad kaestorya...pag-adto gahapon (Saturday) stable naman hinuon ingon ang doctor," said Baja.

He said they are looking at whether the attack was work-related considering that Gupana is a lawyer.

Baja added that they will keep on strengthening their control points as this was the second instance a prominent individual in the city was shot by unidentified riding-in-tandem.

Last Sept. 19, Barangay Councilor Zandro Augusto was shot and killed by unidentified assailants.

"Katong ka councilor, we created a special investigation task force.  Then, tanang measures, ato jud i-build up atong (police visibility) like for example atong mobile patrol. Ako tong gitan-aw tong crime areas, atong gi-priority didto. I have already directed to mobilize the barangay tanod to conduct mobile patrol," said Baja.

Baja said he also instructed the personnel in the control points of each barangays to tighten security and checkpoint inspection. He added that they will have to do more police visibility on the streets to be able to immediately respond to incidents and deter criminal acts. — GAN (FREEMAN)