Ex-convict shot dead

A man on a bicycle shot to death a former convict while he was playing "heads or tails" locally known as "hantak" in sitio Rambo, barangay Inayawan, Cebu City at around 5 am yesterday.

Homicide police could not say whether the death of 29-year-old Bimbo Kadlawon was the latest handiwork of vigilantes, as they are more inclined to investigate on a personal grudge angle as the motive of the killing.

According to homicide investigator Bobby Escarlan, the suspect might have harbored a grudge against the victim as Kadlawon was known in the area as a "mamarukay" or one asked by drug users to purchase shabu, receives the money, but would not deliver the stock.

Escarlan said it is hard to conclude the death was the handiwork of vigilantes because the gunman was on a bicycle, and was wearing short pants, although he covered his face with a scarf.

Most vigilante-inspired killings in the past had triggermen riding motorcycles and once in an automobile. The killer used a .45 cal. pistol, the favorite weapon of vigilantes.

Kadlawon was shot four times in the back.

When Kadlawon tried to run away, the gunman pumped another bullet into his head before fleeing.

Initial investigation revealed the victim was jailed in the Bagong Buhay Rehabilitation Center for robbery in 2003.