Peacekeeper gunned down

He sought peace, but instead met a violent death.

A 50-year-old Maranao volunteer barangay peacekeeper was gunned down by an unidentified assailant Thursday night in Baseco Compound, Port Area, Manila.

Police said the victim, Alex Mamintal Benasing, failed to reach the Ospital ng Maynila alive. He sustained gunshot wounds in the head and chest.

Investigations showed Benasing was talking to his daughter Morai outside their residence past 8 p.m. when the assailant sneaked from behind and successively fired at the stunned victim.

After the shooting, the suspect ran towards the Muslim Compound, according to witnesses.

Witnesses described the suspect as medium built, at least five-foot-two tall, with his face hidden beneath a hood and bullcap. He was armed with a still undetermined gun caliber.

Investigators said they are having a difficult time in determining the motive for the slaying, since no one in the area wants to give statements to police.

All the police could gathered was that the victim was an active peacekeeper in the barangay who was referred to by his constituents as "master."

Relatives of the victim also refused the body to be autopsied in keeping with Muslim tradition. – Nestor Etolle