Bike-riding men shoot dead "habal-habal" driver, hurt pal

CEBU, Philippines - Two motorcycle-riding men shot to death a “habal-habal” driver and seriously injured his companion following a chase at past 10 p.m. last Monday in Barangay Apas, Cebu City.

Gilbert “Gigi” Tudtud, Jr., a resident of Barangay Busay, suffered from a fatal gunshot wound to the head and died on the spot while Rodner “Oni” Limas, of Barangay Lahug, sustained several injuries to the different parts of his body and is now under observation at a hospital in the city.

Based on the information gathered by the police, Tudtud was driving the motorcycle (CG-1086) with Limas as his backride from Sitio Lower, Barangay Busay when, upon nearing the Busay Police Outpost, they almost hit the motorcycle of the assailants. The victims however reportedly ignored the incident and continued on their way.

But when they reached Plazaville in Barangay Apas, the two assailants allegedly suddenly appeared and shot them several times.

The victims’ vehicle reportedly swerved, causing the two victims to slump on the road.

Tudtud died on the spot due to the fatal wound in the head but Limas, who was hit in the different parts of his body, managed to ask help from a security guard some 100 meters away.

Ace Quiñanola, security guard of Maria Luisa Village, responded to the call for assistance and called up the Emergency Rescue Foundation Unit who then rushed the Limas to Chong Hua Hospital.

Responding policemen recovered seven empty shells of .9mm pistol and a metallic fragment from the crime scene. They also recovered Tudtud’s wallet containing cash and assorted identification cards.

Homicide investigators said they find it hard to identify the assailants and the real motive of the crime, adding they cannot talk yet with Limas regarding the incident because of his present condition. – Niña G. Sumacot/WAB   (FREEMAN NEWS)