Car-riding man shoots, wounds single mother

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — A 27-year-old single mother, while walking off from work, was shot and wounded by a still unidentified gunman, riding a red sedan, along Commission Civil St., about 500 meters from the Jaro Police Station in this city.

The victim, LZ Gallo of Miag-ao town in Iloilo and temporarily residing at La Paz district of this city, was walking with her co-workers from work when a man, seated on the front seat of the Honda City car, fired at her.

Gallo, a sales assistant of an outlet that sells health and lifestyle products, was hit on her left leg and her stomach, with the bullet piercing through her back. She was rushed to the Iloilo Mission Hospital and had undergone surgery.

Police retrieved from the scene seven fired shells and two slugs of caliber .45 pistol. Initial police investigation stated that the gunman's car, with its lights off, sped off toward La Paz district.

Motorcycle-riding policemen, in their pursuit, said they lost the car while cruising at La Paz Plaza.

Chief Inspector Rhea Santos, Jaro Police chief, surmised that Gallo may not be the target but, if she was, the motive might be more on personal nature than professional. — (FREEMAN)