Habal-habal driver shot in Toledo City

CEBU, Philippines - The president of the “habal-habal” drivers association in Barangay Bunga, Toledo City was shot dead by one of two unidentified motorcycle-riding men while playing toss coin last Thursday afternoon.

Police said Clemente Echavez, 47, was hit on his abdomen and passed away while being transported to the Carmen Copper Corporation hospital in Barangay Lutopan.

Echavez, along with other “habal-habal” drivers, was reportedly playing toss coin at the waiting area for passengers along Sitio Highway in Barangay Bunga when the unidentified men arrived.

PO3 Alfredo Barqui of the Das Community Precinct 1 in Barangay Lutopan said the gunman fired his caliber .45 pistol three times, the third bullet hitting Echavez on the abdomen.

Echavez was still able to grapple with the gunman who was riding in pillion when the first shot missed him and the suspect fell off the motorcycle. The gunman fired the second time when Echavez tried to run away and missed again. It was the third shot that eventually hit Echavez. 

The suspect immediately rode back to the motorcycle and speed off towards Barangay Magdugo.

Barquin said investigation is focused on personal grudge because the victim because Echavez reportedly always engaged in arguments over their area of transportation.

Echavez allegedly did not allow any motorist to pass the barangay road from Bunga until Barangay Lamac, Pinamungajan unless the person is a member of the organization.

“Dili siya magpasulod diha nga dalan kung dili miyembro sa ilang kahugpungan. Possible gidumtan siya tungod ani,” Barquin said.

Both suspects were only identified as wearing baseball caps. Police recovered two empty shells of a caliber .45 pistol. — (FREEMAN)