Robbers kill man, steal his bike

CEBU, Philippines - A motorcycle-for-hire driver was shot dead by an unidentified man in sitio Satuhan, Barangay Sudlon 2, Cebu City, past 6 a.m. yesterday in what police surmise was a case of motorcycle theft.

Danilo Tabal, 38, a resident of sitio Konsit, Barangay Sudlon 1, was giving directions to two unidentified men when one of them shot him several times before fleeing with his motorcycle.

Police said the victim was driving a Honda TMX motorcycle-for-hire with plate numbers 9992-GP with his passenger, Margie Islanan, who told him to stop in sitio Satuhan so she can pay a certain Annie Tabares.

When they arrived at the area, Islanan disembarked from the motorcycle. She was about to hand the money to Tabares by the roadside when the assailants came on board a black Honda Bravo motorcycle and stopped nearby.

The assailants allegedly asked Tabal about the way to Cebu City and the victim told them where to go.

Just then, the man riding pillion suddenly jumped off from the motorcycle and shot the victim thrice.

The victim slumped to the ground together with his motorcycle. He was already dead from three gunshot wounds to the head.

The shooter grabbed the victim’s motorcycle and he and his companion drove away.

Police recovered three empty shells of .45 cal. and two slugs and the victim’s sunglasses from the crime scene.

The victim’s body was taken to the St. Francis Funeral Homes for autopsy.

Police said they are not yet certain of the motive behind the incident but it is also possible that it was a case of “agaw-motorsiklo” perpetrated by an organized crime group.   (FREEMAN NEWS)