Suspect in shooting of German identified, but evidence needed

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Police Office said yesterday it has already identified the man who shot at and injured a German National in Barangay Inayawan last Tuesday morning, but admitted evidence against him is yet to be established.

City Police Director Sr. Supt. Patrocinio Comendador said they will withhold the name of the suspect until they can gather sufficient evidence to pin him down. Comendador said the manner by which the gunman executed his task reportedly indicated that he is not a professional assassin.

He said further it is fortunate that the victim, 44-year-old Zarko Ljiljak, survived the attack because he can help establish the identity of his perpetrator.

The police are looking at the rivalry in the victim’s fashion accessory business as the main motive of the shooting. They are also not discounting the possibility that the suspect is not a gun-for-hire, but another investor into the business.

Ljiljak, known to his friends as “Freddie,” is currently recuperating at the hospital after undergoing surgical operation. Doctors successfully removed the bullet from his body.

Ljiljak was driving his Honda XR 200 motorcycle towards his residence when shot. The suspect reported fired at least three times, but the victim was hit only once on his buttock. He still managed drive to reach his house located about 50 meters away from the crime scene.

Roxini Matematico, 23, Ljiljak’s live-in-partner, and some companions took the victim to the Miller Hospital. She said the victim has no known enemies.

PO2 Lauron Raganas of the Mobile Patrol Group who is a neighbor of the victim heard the gunshots and tried to chase the suspect, but failed to arrest him. (FREEMAN NEWS)