METROPOLICE: Man shot near Lapu church

CEBU, Philippines - An unidentified man died instantly after he was shot several times in the presence of a lot of people near the vicinity of the Birhen sa Regla Parish Church in Barangay Poblacion, Lapu-Lapu City early evening on Tuesday.

The victim, believed to be in his 40s, sprawled on Resdon Street just beside the perimeter fence of Saint Alfonso's Catholic School and the city auditorium.

Police believed the victim came from Cebu City and boarded a ferry to Lapu-Lapu. However, upon his arrival at the ferry terminal in Lapu-Lapu, two unknown suspects aboard a light green motorcycle were reportedly tailing him.

Walking along Resdon and reaching near corner Lopez  Jaena Street, police said the back-rider shot the man several times, causing his untimely death.

Churchgoers and the crowd were rushed towards the ferry terminal as they ran for safety, thus none of them was able to clearly recognize the faces of the suspects who wore helmets and short pants.

As the suspects immediately fled, no one was also able to get the plate number of the motorcycle.

Senior Police Officer 1 Manolito Abellanosa, investigator at Lapu-Lapu City Homicide Section, found eight empty shells of .45 caliber pistol at the crime scene spread along the road.

Police are still conducting further investigation on the case as they are also in the process of identifying the victim. —(FREEMAN)