Probers now have persons of interest in lawyer’s ambush

CEBU, Philippines — Police investigators now have persons of interest in the shooting incident that injured lawyer James Joseph Gupana in Lapu-Lapu City Saturday last week.

One of the investigators who requested anonymity said the victim had provided them a list of persons who may have a motive to kill him. According to the investigator, the attempt on Gupana’s life may have something to do with previous cases he was handling as a lawyer.

The police, however, are still building up their case by looking for physical evidence and witnesses to support their suspicion.

"Duda lang man ning attorney and wala paman tay evidence atoa usa nga i-verify," the investigator said.

The police believe that the persons of interest may have engaged the services of a gun-for-hire to kill Gupana.

On Saturday, October 10, 2020, Gupana was on his way to his office in Mandaue City on board his vehicle when he got shot by still unidentified gunmen. The victim suffered gunshot wounds in the body but fortunately survived from the assassination attempt.

It was the second attempt on Gupana’s life. The first attempt happened 15 years ago in Barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City.

"Amoang gina-check sa karon kaning mga previous cases kay wala man pud lain ni nga threat daw nadawat si attorney," the investigator said.

Police are now asking the assistance of the cybercrime unit to identify the gunmen by enhancing the video of the actual shooting taken from the closed-circuit television camera in the area where the ambush happened.

Based on the video, the culprits were small and medium built, both wearing black jackets, jeans, helmets and masks. /FPL (FREEMAN)