CEBU, Philippines - A suspected hitman allegedly identified with the Alpa Kappa Rho (AKRHO) fraternity was shot dead by a neighbor following a heated altercation Thursday night in barangay Central Biasong, Talisay City.
Mark Anthony Alvarez, 28, a resident of the same place, succumbed to a gunshot wound in his abdomen, another in his left arm where a bullet passed and exited to the armpit and the left part of his back.
Suspect Alexander Abendan, 26, escaped after the shooting and has remained at large as of press time.
The responding team composed of PO1 Jude Enemecio, PO2 Antonio Asoy Jr., SPO4 Daniel Tarucan, SPO1 Mikie Espina and PO3 Benedicto Lasque reportedly received reports that Alvarez was a suspected hitman.
The recovery of a knife and a "binsol" (an ice pick made from a stingray's tail) in the victim's waist gave more weight to the theory.
Police said that before the incident, their neighbors, John-John Traya and a certain "Tiguwang" were fighting.
In the midst of it, Traya allegedly punched Tiguwang. At this juncture, Alvarez came to Tiguwang's rescue and beat Traya.
When Abendan saw what happened, he reportedly shouted at Alvarez for punching Traya. The heated argument turned into a fistfight but neighbors intervened and quickly ended the fight.
Minutes after the incident, Alvarez joined his drinking buddies only to leave them shortly. He reportedly came back already armed with a knife and was looking for Abendan.
It did not take long for Alvarez to locate Abendan, who upon seeing the former with a knife in his hand quickly ran for his life.
Alvarez reportedly ran after Abendan, but did not catch him.
Minutes later, Abendan came back with a handgun.
Meanwhile, neighbors who saw the suspect with a gun advised Abarquez to go home.
But moments later, neighbors heard gunshots at the old dumpsite, and when they checked, they saw Alvarez's body covered with blood. - THE FREEMAN