Trader killed by riding-in-tandem gunmen

ILOILO CITY , Philippines — A 56-year-old businessman was killed after he was shot Tuesday evening by riding-in- tandem assailants at the Crossing of Brgy. Capinang and Brgy. San Nicolas in San Dionisio town of Iloilo.

Roel Badianggo, a trader of dried fish, succumbed to injuries on his head and right leg, according to the police.

Aside from Badianggo, two others were also wounded: his 20-year-old nephew Michael Bilbao of E.B. Magalona town in Negros Occidental and his 33-year-old helper Rey Asturias of Concepcion town in Iloilo.

Bilbao suffered a gunshot wound on his neck while Asturias is now in critical condition after sustaining a chest injury.

According to Sr. Supt. Gil Lebin, Iloilo Provincial Police director, the three were on their way to Estancia town, where Badianggo also kept an ambulant store. They were riding a tricycle when the gunmen on board two motorcycles peppered bullets on them.

No witness has, so far, came out to shed light on the incident. “It was raining. It was also very dark when the incident happened. They (wounded victims) failed to get a clear picture of the four suspects and their motorcycles,” Lebin said.

“They (attackers) could be guns-for-hire,” Lebin said, adding that their identities or their group affiliation is yet to be determined.

Meanwhile, Chief Insp. Danilo de los Santos, San Dionisio Police chief, revealed that when he was still chief of the Concepcion Police, Badianggo told him about the threat on his life even way back in 2010.

“That’s what we are trying to determine if that threat has something to do with the incident,” de los Santos said, adding that Badianggo was charged with murder with the use of an unlicensed firearm a few years ago. However, the case was dismissed. “There could have been an out-of-court settlement for that,” Lebin said.

Aside from vengeance, probers also considered that business rivalry has something to do with the killing, added Lebin. (FREEMAN)