Tondo slay puzzles WPD investigators

Homicide probers of the Western Police District are puzzled by the mysterious gunslaying of a 47-year-old trailer truck driver in Tondo, Manila early yesterday morning.

Police said that Nestor Villa, of 203 Area H, Gate 20, Parola Compound, sustained a bullet wound in his left thigh but the crime scene was clean of blood expected in gun shooting cases.

According to initial investigation, Villa was seen drinking with suspects Noel Redoblo, 35, and Ronnie Espinosa, 32, both of 325 Area H, Parola Compound, Tondo, at around 10:15 p.m. last Wednesday at Area H of the Parola Compound before his death. The drinking spree lasted until 12:20 a.m. yesterday when the victim was shot.

Under investigation, Espinosa and Redoble gave probers different versions of what happened. Espinosa said he went out of the compound to buy liquor at a nearby store. He said he heard a gunshot coming from inside the compound. Rushing back, he claimed to have seen Villa being carried by Redoblo and another unidentified man.

Redoblo, meanwhile, told probers that he went out of the compound to get a plate when he heard a gunshot rang out. When he rushed back, he saw Villa already sprawled on the ground with a bullet wound in his left thigh.

Investigator-on-case Senior Police Officer 1 David Dadulla Tuazon said the victim’s wife asked the two suspects to help her rush her husband to the hospital but was reportedly ignored.

The victim was rushed to the Gat Andres Bonifacio Hospital but was declared dead on arrival due to severe blood loss.

Both suspects are now detained at the WPD Integrated Jail pending investigation. – Mike Frialde