Trader slain, 3 others wounded in Caloocan

MANILA, Philippines - A 41-year-old businesswoman was shot dead while three of her helpers were badly wounded when four still unidentified assailants attacked them at her meat stall in Dagat-Dagatan, Caloocan City yesterday morning.

Hog dealer Liza de Jesus sustained multiple bullet wounds and died at the scene, Chief Inspector Ilustre Mendoza said.

A bullet pierced the kidney of Jonel Varquez, 31, De Jesus’ butcher. He was taken to the Caloocan City Medical Center (CCMC) but was later transferred to the MCU Hospital. 

Also wounded were Jimboy Baslote, 19, and Digno Yasay, 18, stay-in workers of the victim.

Mendoza told The STAR that the victims had just opened the stall for the day and were busy with chores when two of the four assailants shot at them.

Senior Police Officer 2 Joselito Barredo, officer on case, said Baslote was hit in the right leg while Yasay sustained a gunshot wound in the body and taken for treatment at the CCMC.

A source at the Caloocan police told The STAR that probers are eyeing a man who owes De Jesus more than P7 million. 

“This person hasn’t been able to pay his debt and was overheard threatening the victim,” he said. 

The two assailants reportedly sped away on two motorcycles and were joined by two men as they fled towards Malabon.