Traffic enforcer shot dead; killer unknown

CEBU, Philippines - A traffic enforcer who also drove a motorcycle-for-hire to improve his income, was shot dead Monday evening after taking a passenger to sitio Tamiao II, barangay Tamiao, Compostela town.

Police are still clueless as to who shot Eugene Balansag, 55, married, of sitio Binabag, barangay Estaca, who succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds.

SPO4 Wilfredo Caturza, Compostela chief investigator, said Balansag was off duty at that time as traffic enforcer, and had spent his free time driving his motorcycle.

Caturza said prior to the incident Balansag took a female passenger to sitio Tamiao II at around 8:45 in the evening.

On his way back to the parking area, someone called him and then shot him thrice, hitting him in the chest, head, and left armpit.

Scene of the Crime Operatives (Soco) recovered three empty shells of a .45 caliber pistol.

He also said that while at the parking area, another driver told Balansag to take a woman to her destination, although it was not his yet his turn to take passengers.

“Linya mana sila unya dili pa iyang turno giingnan kuno siya nga ipadala lang usa kuno niya ang pasahero,” Caturza said in a phone interview.

Caturza suspects that one of the drivers could have acted as lookout.

“Basin dumot lang ni sa pagpamasada but we still have to investigate this further,” Caturza said.

The body was taken to the Maturan Funeral Homes in barangay Catarman, Liloan town for autopsy and for proper disposition.

Last April 23, two persons were killed including the husband of barangay Tamiao captain Lilian Yraola while six others were injured during a variety show held in the same barangay.

Marito Yraola, 46, was shot twice in the back of the head. He was believed to be the target.

Marilou Mahinay, 36, who was in the audience was also killed in the shooting.

The injured included Marian, the 22-year-old daughter of Yraola.

One of the suspects, Basilides Ponce, was caught by residents as he tried to escape to neighboring barangay Estaca.

Recovered from him was a .22 magnum with several bullets and the getaway motorcycle.

A criminal case has been filed against him and his cohorts. (FREEMAN)