Bike driver shot dead by passengers

CEBU, Philippines - A man was found dead with a gunshot wound on the neck along Fulton St., Barangay Apas last Monday night while another man was injured after he was shot by a policeman whom he allegedly tried to stab last Monday morning in Asuncion St., Barangay Sambag 1.

The man in the first incident was later identified as motorcycle-for-hire driver Rancis Ong, 35, of Escario St., Barangay Kamputhaw. He was identified by his half-brother at the St. Francis Funeral Homes where his body was taken.

Witnesses told Homicide Section investigators that they saw the victim pass by around 10 p.m. driving a red motorcycle with two men on board.

A few minutes later, residents in the area heard gunshots and they saw the two men speeding off on the same motorcycle. They checked the area and eventually found the victim dead.

The police believe that the assailants intended to bring him to the place so they could kill him.

Meanwhile, Romeo Caballero, alias “Sadam”, 42, was injured in his left foot after he was shot by PO2 Eden Trangia whom the former allegedly tried to stab him with a knife.

Trangia, who is assigned to the Special Weapons and Tactics team, and his colleagues, responded to Sambag 1 around 8 a.m. after receiving reports that the suspect went wild and took a hostage.

The suspect allegedly resisted arrest and even tried to stab the police.

The victim, who was treated and is now detained at the detention cell, denied that he tried to stab the policeman.

His father told the police that there was a commotion when his son and a certain “Butoy” had an argument but denied that his son took someone hostage.

The police claimed that their operation was legitimate and that they will file a case against the suspect. 

In another development a man was found floating dead off Sitio Bagong Bayan, Barangay Southern Poblacion, Tudela town, last Monday morning after he allegedly fell from his boat and drowned during an epileptic seizure.

Eusebio Brigildo, 52, a native of Merida, Leyte, was found dead with a nylon string around his neck, although police believe there was no foul play involved. Witnesses tried to rush him to the district hospital but the doctor declared him dead on arrival.

Police said the victim went fishing early morning and suffered a seizure and fell into the water. They believe his getting caught on the nylon string was accidental, causing him to drown.

A concerned citizen who noticed his boat few meters from the shoreline was the one who immediately called the police for assistance.

The cadaver of the victim was taken to the Sto. Niño Memorial Chapel. -  (FREEMAN)