Motorcycle-for-hire driver shot in Barili

CEBU, Philippines - A motorcycle-for-hire driver was shot by his passenger early morning yesterday on the barangay road of Sitio Lantawan, Barangay Candugay, Barili, southern Cebu.

Residents heard a single burst of gunfire around 5:15 in the morning before they saw Benigno Buhay, 58, of Barangay Poblacion lying lifeless on the ground.

Buhay succumbed to a gunshot wound in the back of his head.

Sr. Insp. Marlon Gumabao, Barili police chief, said somebody saw the driver with a passenger on board at around 4:00 a.m.

The police chief said they have yet to get more details.

Buhay was shot pointblank at a secluded area.

Gumabao added that the physician who conducted an autopsy of the body recovered a slug of 9mm pistol from the victim’s head.

The police theorized that it could be a case of robbery because they did not recover anything from Buhay’s pocket. However, they have not ruled out personal grudge as possible motive.

The police said they have yet to investigate if Buhay was involved in illegal activities, although they confirmed receiving reports that Buhay’s house in Barangay Poblacion allegedly serves as a drug den.

Two drug pushers were arrested near his house two weeks ago. Charges for violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 were already filed against the two.

Police are still doing a follow up operation to determine the identity of the gunman. – (FREEMAN)