Lone gunman executes ex-con 'vigilante style'

An ex-convict fell victim to another suspected vigilante attack when he was shot dead by a lone motorcycle-riding gunman while watching his friends playing dama shortly before noon yesterday along T. Padilla Extension near the Tejero barangay hall.

Niel Borinaga, 28, died on the spot after sustaining two gunshot wounds in his head. He was reported to be the 163rd victim of summary executions in the city that started since late December 2004.

Acting Cebu City Police Office chief Melvin Gayotin directed the Homicide Section to immediately conduct further investigation into Borinaga's killing.

Police said they are still verifying reports that Borinaga was involved in a series of snatching in the area. But his family strongly denied the accusation.

Witnesses told investigator SPO1 Jay Yballe that Borinaga was watching dama beside a weighing scale in front of the barangay hall around 11:45 a.m. when a black motorcycle arrived.

The gunman, who wore a mask and a hat, then disembarked from the motorcycle and shot Borinaga twice in the head. He then drove the motorcycle toward the pier area.

But before he left, the gunman reportedly threatened those who were playing dama not to interfere or they would also be shot.

Responding policemen recovered from the crime scene two slugs of a .45 cal. pistol.

Sources at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology said that Borinaga was imprisoned at the city jail in 1999 for snatching charges.

The vigilante-type killings in the city have drawn the attention of the United States.

US vice consul Rochelle Wolf recently visited the city and met with police and officials of the Commission on Human Rights to inquire into the killings. - Jose P. Sollano