Collector shot dead in Toledo

CEBU, Philippines - A Fair Bank collector was shot dead before his sling bag was taken by suspects who failed to cart away the P40,000 cash which was placed inside the U-box of his driven motorcycle Tuesday evening in Barangay Magdugo, Toledo City.

Alvin Limoco, 33, of Barangay Nangka, Balamban was found sprawled on the gutter along the national highway of the said barangay. He succumbed to three gunshot wounds.

Limoco came from Naga City and was heading home onboard his Honda XRM motorcycle bearing plate number 3834-GH.

Chief Inspector Jovito Canlapan who heads the Toledo City Police Station, said the motorcycle-riding men allegedly tailed Limoco when the man riding in pillion shot the victim from behind.

Limoco reportedly swerved towards the gutter before he crashed. At this point, the back rider of the motorcycle disembarked and shot Limoco twice hitting him this time in the head and in his side.

The men carted away Limoco’s sling bag which contained his personal belongings before speeding off towards Barangay Lutopan.

Lutopan Police immediately conducted a checkpoint on the possible exits but the suspects diverted towards a corner heading to Barangay Media Once then to Barangay Bulongan and exiting at Barangay Lamac, Pinamungajan.

Police only recovered two empty shells of caliber .45 pistol believed to be from the firearm used by the gunman.

Canlapan told The FREEMAN that robbery could not be the motive of the crime because the suspects did not take Limoco’s cellular phone as well as the P40,000 cash inside the U-box.

He said text messages from the victim’s cellular phone reveal that the motive of the killing could be a personal grudge.

“Bag-o man gud kuno ni sila gabuwag sa asawa pero possibly third party,” Canlapan said.

Early morning yesterday, police were able to recover the suspects’ getaway motorcycle in Barangay Camugao, Pinamungajan.

Canlapan refused to divulge further details but said they are now monitoring two persons.The remains of Limoco are now at the St. Francis Funeral Homes in Barangay Poblacion. — (FREEMAN)