Justice sought as slain trader laid to rest

CEBU, Philippines – Jaime Daño, the businessman and former aspiring barangay captain who was shot dead in front of Lapu-Lapu City Hall of Justice last week, was laid to rest yesterday.

A throng of supporters, family members and friends ushered Daño from his residence in Barangay Punta Engaño to his final resting place at the Mactan Memorial Garden, wearing shirts with printed message that called for justice for their "Chief Jimmy."

Daño, 47, who ran but lost in the race for Punta Engaño barangay captain in 2013, was gunned down by two unidentified men onboard a motorcycle right at the city's court compound on Tuesday.

He was at the Hall of Justice to accompany his two neighbors in their hearing that involved blast fishing.

Lapu-Lapu City police are still investigating into the killing.

At yesterday's burial ceremony, none of Daño's immediate family members granted interview with the media.

But in her eulogy, Daño's wife Vivian reiterated the call for justice over the death of her husband.

She hopes that she and their two children will be able to carry on the shell craft business that they have been left to manage after Daño's death.

Vivian anguished while she shared that she and her husband were supposed to celebrate their silver wedding anniversary this year.

Angel Rodriguez, former barangay captain of Punta Engaño, said it was unacceptable for the crime to be carried out in an area surrounded with security offices.

The site where Daño fell down after being shot was surrounded by the city police, SWAT and tourist police offices.

Rodriguez, a political ally of the victim, said the bereaved family may seek the intervention of the National Bureau of Investigation if police investigation continues to show disheartening results.

Rodriguez recalled that Daño once became the chief of barangay watchmen in between 2005 and 2007.

"He has been a hepe de barangay and he's doing his job very well," Rodriguez said.

He also characterized Daño as an advocate in the fight illegal drugs.

A supporter who requested anonymity said one thing they cannot forget about Chief Jimmy is that he helped neighbors in time of need.

"Mga kawatan, mga drugs, iyaha gyud nang sugpuon… mobadlong ug mga badlungon," the supporter said.

Another good thing they remember Daño of as a tanod chief was that he would rove several to keep their place safe.

Police Officer 2 Jomar Florentino of Lapu-Lapu City Police Office Homicide Section, one of the investigators of the case, said they are having difficulty getting witnesses who are willing to identify the suspects.

He added that they are planning to make a facial composite in the PNP Crime Laboratory to gain leads into the case.