Anti-crime crusader shot dead

A barangay watchman who is a known anti-crime crusader was ambushed by three still unidentified gunmen while on his way home late Monday night in Caloocan City.

Chief Inspector Jose Valencia, Station Investigation Branch (SIB) chief, identified the victim as Richard Suarez, 34, tanod (watchman) of Barangay 175 and a resident of Goodhill Place, Camarin, Caloocan City.

Police said the motive for the killing could be revenge.

Investigators gathered that Suarez had brought to jail a number of notorious holdup men and drug pushers in the area and was devoted to his job and fighting crime.

Superintendent Vladimir Villasenor, Scene of the Crime Operations (SOCO) chief, who did the autopsy, said Suarez sustained gunshot wounds; the two in the head were fatal and caused his instant death.

A stray bullet hit bystander Lucy Daza, 40, of La Forteza Subdivision, also in Camarin, in the the face. She was taken to the East Avenue Medical Center for treatment. Daza is still under observation as of yesterday. — Jerry Botial