Motorcycle-for-hire drivers shot dead

CEBU, Philippines – Two motorcycle-for-hire drivers met their untimely death in separate shooting incidents in Danao City and Toledo City the past two days.

In Toledo, the victim was shot by a motorcycle-riding suspect late evening last Wednesday just as he was about to park his motorcycle at his house in Danao City.   Roberto Villaester, 35, died after bullets pierced his nape and the back of his head.

SPO4 Jose Salingua of the Danao Police said the victim had a reputation of being a bully, which earned him several enemies. Villaester reportedly had a hard time controlling himself, especially when he gets drunk.

"Grabe kabadlungon, manghasi kung maka-inom unya manion sa pistola," Salingua told The FREEMAN.

Villaester reportedly landed in jail several times, but no complaint against him prospered because no one was brave enough to go against him.

"Basin mahadlok sila kay lain man gud ni kung makainom na," Salingua said.

Villaester's remains lie at the Saint Jude Funeral Parlor and will be subjected for a post mortem examination.

"Maglisod mig trace sa iyang kontra kay halos tanan kontra niya," Salingua said.

Meanwhile, in the Toledo incident, victim Christian Selgas, 22, also died due to a gunshot wound at the back of his head.

Initial investigation revealed that the suspect flagged Selgas' motorcycle around 3pm yesterday and shot him when they reached Sitio Township, Barangay Poog. The suspect fled right after.

Police recovered two empty shells of a caliber .45 pistol and a small pack containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu.

Selgas' remains will be subjected to an autopsy.

Authorities are conducting further investigation on both cases. - Ria Mae Y. Booc and Grace Melanie I. Lacamiento, USJR Masscom Intern/JMO (FREEMAN)