CEBU, Philippines - Two men including a chief barangay tanod died after they were ambushed by six men along Barangay Jolomaynon, Dalaguete town on Tuesday afternoon.
Victims Paterno “Erning” Aliñabo, 46, chief tanod and resident of Barangay Caliongan died on the spot while motorcycle-for-hire driver Andrew Heredia, 21, of Barangay Obong died in the hospital.
According to the initial investigation, Paterno was on board Heredia’s motorcycle and was on his way home from Barangay Poblacion when they were shot by the unidentified men at 4:30 pm.
Police Officer 3 Rodrigo Teo, investigator of Dalaguete Police Station, said that before Heredia died, he said that the assailants apparently waited for him and Aliñabo to pass by and shot them several times for no apparent reason.
Teo said that Heredia claimed he could identify the assailants if he would be shown photos of them.
Heredia, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds on his body, managed to escape from the place.
“Naabtan na lang ni namo si Heredia sa may kalibunan gahigda na unya nangluspad na pod,” said Teo.
The driver was rushed to Julio Cardinal Rosales Memorial Hospital and was later transferred to Perpetual Succour Hospital.
Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead that night.
Police are now considering the idea that Paterno was possibly mistaken for a police asset because of his involvement in some of the programs of the local police.
Police Officer 2 Christopher Romarate confirmed that the chief tanod was not a police asset.
“Daghan mi og naligsan sa drugs. Nagtuo siguro ni ang mga suspetsado nga siya among asset aning mga drug cases namo,” said Romarate.
There were reportedly no witnesses to the incident and residents in the areas also appeared to be hesitant in giving details to the police.
“Actually, naa na mi gi-imbestigaran karun nga grupo nga possible pud nga naay involvement sa mga previous shooting incidents, but di lang sa namo i-divulge ang ngan aning grupoha kay under investigation pa man sab,” said Teo. “Kani nga grupo ilado na sab gyud mao sab siguro nga mahadlok muhatag og info ang mga tawo,” he added.
Police recovered four empty shells and a live ammunition of a cal. 45 pistol, 12 empty shells of a 9mm pistol and two deformed slugs of 9mm and cal. 45 pistol from the crime scene.
Paterno’s remains now lie at their house while Heredia’s at St. William Funeral Homes and will be subjected to an autopsy. — (FREEMAN)