Man in multicab hurt in ‘ambush’

CEBU, Philippines - A 35-year-old man who was shot in an apparent ambush in Talisay City on Sunday evening managed to take himself to a hospital.

The victim was identified as Mark Lanit, resident of Barangay Cabcaban in Barili town.

The initial inquiry of Talisay City Police revealed that Lanit was driving his multicab from Barili to Cebu City when he noticed a sport utility vehicle tailing him from San Fernando town.

Police reported that the SUV only had the marking “FOR REGISTRATION” in plate number holder.

When Lanit reached the area where the incident transpired, the SUV reportedly blocked his way. An unknown assailant then stepped off the vehicle and shot Lanit while onboard his multicab.

Lanit was hit in his left arm and chest but still managed to drive to the emergency entrance of Talisay City Hospital while the gunman immediately fled.

Lanit was later transferred to a private hospital.

Police officer John Ilustrisimo, desk officer at Talisay City Police, said they are still investigating the incident, as well as the motive of the crime.

He added they are not discounting any angle for the meantime and will look into the background of the victim, including the possibility of Lanit being involved in a conflict before the incident.

Police recovered a 9mm pistol from Lanit although they found out that the firearm was covered with license.

In a separate interview, Provincial Board member Alex Binghay confirmed that the victim works under his office at the Capitol.

Binghay said he is not discounting the possibility of the gunman harboring a personal grudge against Lanit or the incident being work-related.

He added he did not hear from Lanit that the latter received death threats.

“Buotan man to. Wa pud ko kahibawo kung naa ba’y nakontra kay kung ako pud ang tuyo, ako na lang unta to,” Binghay told reporters.

Lanit has been serving Binghay’s office for almost five years.

Quoting Lanit, Binghay said the gunman was a young man with a military cut hair and wearing T-shirt and shorts as he disembarked from the SUV.

Binghay said he has requested the Cebu Provincial Police Office to look into the incident. (FREEMAN)