Chief tanod killed, uncle hurt in ambush

CEBU, Philippines - The chief tanod of Barangay Banga-an was killed and his uncle, also a tanod, was wounded in an ambush by riding-in-tandem men at the barangay in Panit-an town of Capiz, Monday evening.

The attack came at around 8:30 p.m. when chief tanod Leonardo Dayang, 46, and his uncle Joemer Dayang, 57 left the former’s house to visit a wake in the village.

Leonardo was driving the motorcycle when the two men tailed and then overtook the Dayangs. The backrider fired shots at them causing them to fall from their vehicle, Joemer told the police.

Inspector Joaquin Emmanuel Ochavo, Panit-an Police chief, said the assailants then alighted apparently to finish off the two victims. Joemer however overheard the gunman as saying, “Si uncle,” referring to him.

The attackers put the gun’s barrel on Leonardo’s mouth, but allowed Joemer to run away and ask for help. The latter however said he could not identify any of them because it happened at a dimly-lit portion of the village.

The suspects then took off with the victims’ motorcycle, while Leonardo, who sustained gunshot wounds on the mouth, neck and chest died at the Bailan District Hospital in Pontevedra town. Joemer was injured on his left leg and is now recuperating at a hospital in Roxas City.

Investigators are looking at grudges behind the shooting incident.  — Jennifer P. Rendon (FREEMAN)