Mistaken identity eyed in carpenter’s shooting

CEBU, Philippines - A 54-year-old carpenter was shot dead by still unidentified assailants in Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City last Thursday night.

Francisco Amaya, a resident of Sitio Fatima, died after he sustained gunshot wounds to his head and stomach.

Homicide investigator, SPO4 Rey Cuyos, said the victim was sitting near a chapel when three young men approached him past 8 p.m., one of whom in shorts and black jacket shot him point blank. The three then walked away casually and took a taxi.

Responding Motorcycle Riding Unit and Mobile Patrol Group personnel reportedly tried to chase the assailants but failed to arrest him.

Crime Scene Investigators recovered a slug and two empty shells of a .45 ca-liber pistol from the crime scene.

Amaya reportedly never had any derogatory record in the barangay and was known in the place as a good man. Gua-dalupe Barangay Captain Michael Gacasan said it is possible that he was a victim of a mistaken identity.

The victim’s sister-in-law said it is possible that the real target was the man sitting beside Amaya who allegedly is a known drug personality in the area. A barangay tanod said this man has been targeted in the past and Amaya might have been mistaken to be the man because they reportedly wore almost the same clothes. This alleged drug suspect reportedly left before the suspects arrived at the crime scene shot the victim.

Investigation is ongoing to determine the motive of the killing and identify the assailants. — Bryner L. Diaz/JMO (FREEMAN)