Phone call from ‘client’ leads to worker’s death

CEBU, Philippines — A seemingly ordinary phone call from a supposed client turned out to be fatal for a worker of a firm offering cleaning service for septic tanks in Talisay City.

Police said that Eddieboy Ortega, 35, a resident of Barangay Pooc, received a call from a person who allegedly sought septic tank services so he and a colleague drove to a subdivision in Barangay Bulacao, same city to render the work.

However, when Ortega and his 36-year-old colleague (name withheld for his security) arrived at the agreed place, an unidentified man held Ortega at gunpoint while asking his companion to drop to the ground.

Ortega’s co-worker obliged, and the next thing he heard was gunfire. He then saw Ortega slumped to the pavement while the assailant and his companion, both wearing black shirts and short pants, sped off on board a motorcycle.

Ortega was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Marlu Conag, chief of Talisay City Police Station, said they have no information yet as to the motive of the killing, as well as the identities of the perpetrators.

He said his men recovered from the crime scene a piece of misfired bullet and two pieces of cartridge case that seemed to be of caliber .45.

Conag said they will launch an in-depth investigation into the case. — JMD (FREEMAN)