One of suspects in cement firm official's ambush out on bail

CEBU, Philippines – One of the three accused in the ambush of Tahieyo Cement marketing manager Nestor Zamoras is now enjoying his temporary liberty after he posted bail for the crime of attempted murder last Tuesday.

Robert Tarcero, who allegedly drove the getaway vehicle after the attempt on Zamoras life, posted a bail of P120,000 before the sala of Regional Trial Court Branch 58 Judge Gabriel T. Inglis.

Tercero is facing a criminal case for attempted murder together with two other accused Joel Sagnoy, the alleged gunman and Jerome Noel, the alleged mastermind for trying to kill Zamoras.

The victim was driving his car along Gorordo, Avenue last June when his vehicle was showered with bullets. Fortunately, he escaped unscathed due to his bullet-proofed car.

The three accused are expected to be arraigned on September 14 as Noel has a pending motion to quash the information and Tercero is yet to be assigned a lawyer from the Public Attorney's office.

Zamoras, 43, of Casuntingan, Mandaue City, survived from the ambush but his Isuzu Dmax car bore nine bullet holes. His barong and polo at the back seat were also damaged.

Responding operatives from the Special Weapons and Tactics unit and the miscellaneous team from the Mabolo Police Station recovered nine empty shells of a .9mm pistol and one deformed slug from the crime scene.

Zamoras, a member of the Kamagong Gun Club Inc., said that he was driving on F. Cabahug St., Mabolo, Cebu City when he noticed a red motorcycle tailing him.

As he neared Castle Peak Hotel, one of the accused opened fire at his vehicle. All the shots hit the rear portion of his vehicle, as the accused failed to get close to the drivers side.

The slugs missed Zamoras, who continued to drive. One slug found its way right on top of the driver's seat, nearly hitting his head.

Zamoras said the shots were really meant to kill him, not just to scare him. He said he could not think of any motive behind the attack, as he does not have enemies. (THE FREEMAN)