No motive found as of yesterday: Cop shot dead in Minglanilla

CEBU, Philippines —  A team leader in the Mobile Patrol Section of the Minglanilla Police was shot dead by a still unidentified suspect in Barangay Linao-Lipata dawn yesterday.

The victim was identified as Police Senior Sergeant Alfredo Pagaling, 52, a resident of Barangay Vito in the town.

Initial investigation showed that Pagaling was shot while inside the patrol car that he and his buddy, Police Corporal Allan Villasurda, parked on the side of the road while waiting for the colleague they were supposed to conduct a checkpoint with.

Pagaling was seated behind the wheel.

Villasurda told investigators he heard a gunshot while inside the vehicle and immediately went out to check where it was coming from – not knowing that the bullet had actually hit Pagaling.

It was only when he returned to the vehicle that Villasurda realized Pagaling was no longer moving and speaking.

Villasurda said he immediately called for assistance and Pagaling was rushed to the South General Hospital only to be declared dead on arrival.

The Minglanilla Police suspect that what happened was a drive-by shooting when the suspects saw that a patrol car was parked by the road as they were passing by. They reportedly received information that prior to Pagaling’s shooting, two men on board a motorcycle opened fire in neighboring Talisay City.

Police Staff Sergeant Maidu Sanchez of the Minglanilla Police said the shooting in Talisay City victimized a certain Jude Romarez and was captured by the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) camera.

But Police Corporal Kris Puerto, desk officer of the Talisay Police, said they did not receive any information about this supposed incident in the city.

As of yesterday, the police are still looking into possible motive in the shooting of Pagaling.

Police Master Sergeant Junyl Ater described Pagaling as someone who was very easy to work and deal with, which is why the police force in the town is saddened deeply by his death. —  JMO (FREEMAN)