'Shooter killed for leaving gun smuggling syndicate'

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine practical shooting team member Michael Lontoc was allegedly murdered by a gun smuggling syndicate for trying to break away from the group.

A source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said four months before Lontoc was ambushed on Sept. 25 along M.H. del Pilar Avenue in Malabon City, the victim confided of his intention to “split” from the syndicate.

The source said that the group, allegedly headed by a foreigner, operates in different countries, “well-organized” and has connections even in the law enforcement agency.

“Michael was trapped. The group would not allow him get out for he know a lot of their illegal operation,” the source said.

The source added that the syndicate put up a gun store in Makati about three years ago and hired Lontoc as one of its consultants. Lontoc was promoted as store manager in less than a year because of his skills as a shooter and knowledge about guns, the source added.

Lontoc’s relatives persuaded him “to get out” of the syndicate after they found out that he was into the illegal gun trade. “He was hesitant claiming the syndicate might kill him. He felt he was trapped,” the source said.

“Michael did not shortchange anybody contrary to published reports. He was earning a living legally until the syndicate exploited him. He tried to stay away from them but it caused him his life,” the source said.

Witnesses have identified at least three of Lontoc’s suspected gunmen – alleged hired gunmen Reynante Egioma and Jimmy Dadison, and Marvin Tresvalles, said to be a member of the communist hit squad.