Driver dead, fire exec wounded in shooting

CEBU, Philippines – A tricycle driver died while a fire officer sustained grazed wound on his chest when three unidentified suspects shot the former near the road in Pajac Proper, Barangay Pajac, Lapu-Lapu City, Friday at around 5:30 p.m.

Gerry Soreño, 50, a resident of Sitio Mahayahay in Barangay Bankal, sustained several gunshot wounds from three suspects onboard a motorcycle, while he was heading his way to the Pajac road from Barangay Bankal, according to the investigation of Senior Police Officer 1 Allan Panataleon of Lapu-Lapu City Police Office homicide section.

Pantaleon said while Soreño was driving his tricycle, the three suspects followed him and eventually shot him.

In the midst of the shooting, Fire Officer 3 Teotimo Vallar, 42, of Lapu-Lapu City Fire Department passed by the area and was reportedly grazed from a stray bullet that made its way on his right chest.

Police Personnel of Mactan Police Station immediately responded to the incident but the suspects evaded arrest and sped off toward Fuentes Street in the said barangay.

The shooting victims were immeidately rushed to the Mactan Doctors' Hospital but Soreño was declared dead on arrival while Vallar was able to seek medical attention for his wounds.

Pantaleon said the victim was reportedly out on bail after a carnapping case was filed against him.

According to the victim's wife, when Soreño was behind bars, he reportedly confided with her that Soreño had a misunderstanding with someone and was threatened to kill him when they cross each other's paths.

Five slugs of .45 caliber and 14 empty shells were recovered at the crime scene, according to Pantaleon.

Pantaleon said police are conducting further investigation for the possible arrest of the suspect.

Last Wednesday, a police officer was also shot dead by unidentified assailant in front of his son at their newly opened motorparts shop in Sitio Kabaloy, Barangay Pajac.