Suspect in German trader's ambush falls

CEBU, Philippines - An ordinary armed person alarm has led the police to the solution of the ambush of a German trader in Barangay Inayawan, Cebu City two months ago.

Operatives of the Investigation and Detective Management Branch of the Cebu City Police Office were deployed in Sitio Cabancalan II, Barangay Bulacao last Friday afternoon to conduct surveillance operation after having tipped off of the presence of an armed person in the area.

The operatives led by Chief Inspector George Ylanan found the suspect, Juan “John” Estomago Ordiñeza, 50, with a Caliber .45 pistol tucked on his waist while playing chess outside his house.

Ylanan said they have accosted Ordiñeza and asked for the papers of his firearm but the latter failed to present any prompting them to place him under arrest. The suspect was brought to the police headquarters but a witness has identified him as the one who ambushed and injured German trader Zarko Ljiljak in April 27.

Ljiljak, 44, was shot while on his way home at Sitio Paula Maria, Barangay Inayawan. He was hit once in his buttocks but survived the attack. Business rivalry was eyed as possible motive in the murder-try.

Ylanan however said that the suspect denied his involvement in the said shooting incident. Ordiñeza will be charged for illegal possession of firearms while a separate case for frustrated murder is now being prepared by the homicide section based on the positive identification of the witness.

Homicide section investigation revealed that Ljiljak was driving his Honda XR 200 motorcycle and was maneuvering a right turn when the suspect, hiding behind the bushes, suddenly shot him.

The assailant allegedly shot the victim three to four times but missed most of it. The victim, although injured already, managed to drive towards his house which was located 50 meters away from the crime scene.   (FREEMAN NEWS)