Police eye business rivalry in ambush of businesswoman

CEBU, Philippines – The police are looking at the business rivalry angle in the ambush of a businesswoman in Mandaue City and have invited witnesses to shed light on the identities of her attackers.

As this developed, Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes in yesterday's press conference said Senior Supt. Noel Gillamac has briefed him about the incident.

He said he has directed Gillamac to hasten the investigation of the incident and to file charges against the persons responsible.

Gillamac told reporters the police are now focusing on the business rivalry angle as the motive for the attempt on the life of businesswoman Debbie Yu, 55, although the police aren't discounting other angles since the gunmen had shot at driver Sonny Boy Sandoval Mahilum, 28.

Mahilum sustained a shot in the head and is still in critical condition.

Yu, a resident of Ma. Luisa Village, barangay Banilad, Cebu City was on her way to her office in sitio Pilit, barangay Cabancalan in Mandaue City when two motorcycle riding men appeared from behind and fired at the driver at about 8:30 a.m. last Wednesday. Yu escaped by jumping out of the car.

Meanwhile, Cortes said the incident will not affect the peace and order in the city.

He will ask the police whether there is a need to send policemen back to the barangays.

"Kaniadto nindot man kaayo ang resulta nga adunay mga polis diha sa barangay kay dali man kini maka responde kun adunay krimen nga mahitabo," said Cortes. (THE FREEMAN)