ILOILO CITY, Philippines – A civilian employee of the Philippine Army was shot dead in Mandurriao district here yesterday.
Roberto Tabhan, 59, a non-uniformed personnel assigned at the 3rd Infantry Division public affairs office, died from two gunshot wounds in the head.
Tabhan’s wife, Guy, told police the victim and their helper, Agnes Doroteo, left home at around 3:30 a.m. for a walk around the village.
The two reportedly saw two men walking on the opposite side of the road. One of the men reportedly fired several shots at Tabhan, killing him instantly. The men escaped, leaving Doroteo unharmed.
Police recovered four bullets shells for a caliber .45 pistol and Tabhan’s caliber .22 handgun at the crime scene.
Chief Inspector Leah Rose Peña, Mandurriao police chief, said probers have yet to determine the motive for the attack.
Tabhan’s superior, Major Ray Tiongson, said the victim had not mentioned any threat to his life.
Guy, however, said her husband figured in a spat two weeks ago with a man whom she refused to identify. She said the man was a suspected thief.