Did volunteerism kill teacher?

CEBU, Philippines - Did the help he extended the police end his life?

This is what authorities want to find out in its investigation into the killing of Ariel Antonio Zucena, a teacher of Lawaan Elementary School in Dumanjug town.

Zucena was shot in the head shortly before midnight last Saturday while he was driving his motorcycle with his 12-year-old daughter. The suspects remain at large.

Cebu Provincial Police Director Sr. Supt. Noel Gillamac said police in the town have arrested several drug personalities with Zucena’s help.

“He is active in giving information and in fact ubay-ubay na ang iyang nahatag nga information which led to the arrest of drugs suspects,” Gillamac said.

Gillamac personally directed Sr. Insp. Ramil Morpos of the Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Branch (PIDMB) and the Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB) to assist the Dumanjug police in the investigation.

A case conference among the investigating units is set to be held within the week.

Zucena, 45, and his daughter were coming from the Teachers Night, an event for teachers in the town as part of the activities for the annual fiesta. They were heading home to Barangay Lawaan when the incident happened.

Initial investigation revealed that the suspects finished Zucena off with two more shots in the leg and stomach when he slumped to the ground after he was shot in the head.

“I want a thorough investigation and I don’t want any fall guy in this case,” Gillamac said.

Zucena’s daughter has been taken to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for stress debriefing.  (FREEMAN)