Taxi driver shot dead

CEBU, Philippines - A taxi driver died after he was shot inside his rented cab by an unidentified man early yesterday morning at Sitio Kaingin, Barangay Buaya Lapu-Lapu City.

Ramil Inot, a resident of the said place, found Romulo Dionaldo Magdasal, 44, of Banilad Cebu City, lifeless and bathed in his own blood inside Holiday taxi bearing plate no. GXS-473.

Magdasal had three gunshot wounds on his chest, head and left hand.

According to initial investigation of SPO3 Jesus Jimenea and PO2 Carlos Barluado, Inot saw that the taxi’s headlight was on. Out of curiosity he came closer to the taxi and saw the body of Magdasal lying at the passenger seat, blooded and unconscious.

Inot directly reported the incident to the duty officers of Buaya Barangay Hall.

Michael Saduwa, a resident of the said place, narrated to the police officers that at around two o’clock in the morning he heard two bursts of gunfire. However, he ignored it and continued to stay in bed.

Magdasal was taken to the Lapu-Lapu City Hospital but he was pronounced dead on arrival by Dr. Roel Banzon.

The victim’s cadaver was then brought to St. Francis Funeral Services for autopsy examination.

Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) collected from the scene a bullet, P1,755 and $1 dollar.

Police officers have ruled out robbery as the possible motive of the killing since the victim’s valuables remained intact.

Follow-up investigation is still being conducted to identify the perpetrators.   - (THE FREEMAN)