In Sibonga, Habal-habal driver shot dead

CEBU, Philippines - A motorcycle-for-hire driver was killed after he was shot by his passengers past midnight last Monday in Barangay Sabang, Sibonga town, south of Cebu.

Emmanuel Lopez, 33, was reportedly shot by his passengers after ordering him to get off his driven motorcycle, which the suspects used as they sped off.

In a phone interview with The Freeman, investigating officer PO3 Dandie Mulo said  that an unidentified man asked the victim to transport him to Carcar City from Sibonga town.

Mulo said that according to witnesses, another guy boarded the motorcycle-for-hire, locally known as habal-habal, near the Regional Public Safety Battalion-7 headquarters in Barangay Bahay before going to Carcar City.

Upon reaching Barangay Sabang, the passengers demanded Lopez to stop the motorcycle and to get off.

Based on accounts of witnesses, Mulo said Lopez fought back since he is well-built as compared to the two suspects who are slimmer. The victim was able to knock down one of the suspects who fell to the ground but the other suspect told him to run.

A few moments after, Lopez was shot by one of the suspects.

"Misukol ang driver nalupig, gipadagan, gitirahan. Naigo sa bukobuko nilusot dapit sa kasingkasing," he narrated.

Lopez was immediately brought to the Dr. Deiparine Medical Clinic but was declared dead on arrival.

Mulo said that the victim's family told them that Lopez normally would not ferry passengers whom he did not know.

He said that it is likely that the victim knew the suspects because they managed to get Lopez' approval to transport them to Carcar City.

Mulo said that the Sibonga Police is now coordinating with Carcar City Police Station following several carnapping incidents in the city.— (FREEMAN)