‘Hitman’ shoots, stabs, cuts off driver’s ear

CEBU, Philippines -  A pedal cab driver died after he was shot, stabbed and his right ear cut off by an alleged hitman in Juan Luna Extension, Tuburan Sur, Danao City early evening Thursday.

Victim Ruben Maniego, 51, succumbed to a gunshot wound on his neck and multiple stab wounds in his left armpit and other parts of his body. The victim’s ear was also cut off.

Initial investigation conducted by the Danao City police revealed the victim was waiting for passengers near an old cockpit arena when he was attacked by the perpetrator.

According to Police Officer 1 Joseph Aledor, the victim was an alleged member of a known local group of hitmen in their city.

“Kani sila nga grupo mada ra kuno ni sila og bayad og P2,000 para sa ilang serbisyo,” said Aledor.

Aledor said the victim allegedly had a heated argument with his fellow hitman, though they are still investigating the cause of their argument. The police are considering this as a motive of the crime.

The Danao police, however, refused to divulge the name of their suspect while investigation is on its course.

Aledor added that the reason why Maniego was brutally killed was because of the belief that he had an amulet or “anting-anting.”

“Gidungog-dungog man nga naa kuno ni siya’y anting-anting so maong giingon ato pagpatay kay para masigurado gyud,” said Aledor.

Meanwhile, the police are still investigating on what weapons were used to kill the victim and so as the real motive of the crime.

The victim’s body now lies in a local funeral home while the police are still waiting for the family’s decision whether or not to pursue an autopsy. —/JMD (FREEMAN)