Malabon woman trader slain by hired killers

Four suspected hired killers ambushed a woman trader while she was on her way to the market yesterday morning in Malabon City.

Malabon police investigation chief Senior Inspector Napoleon Bataycan said the victim, Violeta Bustillo y Asuncion, 40, married, a buy-and-sell agent, resident of 326 Daang-bakal Street, Barangay Potrero in Malabon City, died on the spot from a single bullet wound in the face.

Witnesses told probers the killers, said to be in their teens, made sure the woman was dead before fleeing. The trigger man, who was spotted wearing a blue T-shirt and a pair of denim shorts who has a mole near the left eye, escaped on board a passenger jeepney bound for Monumento.

Police records showed the incident occurred at around 11:15 a.m. not far from the victim’s house.

Witness Fernando Asuncion told probers Bustillo was walking along the railroad tracks on her way to the market when four youths appeared. Without a word, one of the suspects allegedly drew a caliber .45 pistol, pointed the gun at her face and fired. The woman was thrown back a few feet away by the impact and fell dead flat on her back.

Witnesses said the suspects took the victim’s cellphone, jewelry and cash of undetermined amount before running away. Police have yet to determine the motive behind the killing.

Meanwhile, a 24-year-old man was killed by two drunk men the other night in Tondo Manila as he was walking home.

Homicide detectives identified the victim as Manolito Ilagan, single, of 260 Interior 6, Dayao St. Balut. Ilagan, police said, was first hit by a piece of wood in the head before he was shot by the two suspects, Wilfredo Castro and Eduardo Illustre, with a caliber .38 revolver. —With Mike Frialde