Hired guns tagged responsible for killing female realtor

CEBU, Philippines - Relatives has finally identified suspects believed to be responsible for the death of a female realtor who was killed by two assailants in sitio Lower Proper, Barangay Toong, Cebu City nearly two weeks ago.

Irene (not her real name) told The FREEMAN yesterday that Vivencia Bacalzo, 61, was shot dead last August 20, 2011 by known hired gunmen residing in the same barangay.

She alleged that the death of Bacalzo was probably ordered by someone.

After identifying the two assailants, Irene and her relatives are now hoping to identify the mastermind behind the killing and give justice to Bacalzo’s sudden death.

Cebu City Police Office homicide head, Senior Insp. Zaldy Gokotano explained they have yet to disclose the names of the two suspects so as not to jeopardize their investigation.

He admitted that this development regarding the case has greatly helped in their investigation.

Gokotano said once they take the two suspects into custody, they shall be closer to identifying the mastermind behind the killing. He however clarified, they still have not figured out the motive as to why Bacalzo was killed.

A few minutes before Bacalzo was killed, she was with her daughter, Angeles Tabas, 30. Both were outside their house when two men suddenly appeared and shot them at around 4 p.m.

Tabas and Lonie Bentual, their house nanny, were also injured during the attack when the assailants shot both of them. 

Bentual was in a room taking care of Tabas’ baby when she heard the gun bursts outside their house followed by loud and successive knocking at the main door.

She immediately carried the baby and rushed out of the room to open the door. She was stunned to see Tabas already bloodied with a gunshot wound on the left side of her body.

Bacalzo reportedly tried to enter the house but one of the assailants shot her repeatedly on different parts of her body. This prompted the nanny to help the mother but she was also shot by the assailant on her leg.

Tabas reportedly escaped the assailants and asked helped from neighbors who rushed to their aid. Tabas and Bentual has fully recovered from their injuries.  (FREEMAN)