- GILBERT BAYORAN
The body of a man, believed to be a victim of summary execution, was found in Brgy. Tortosa, Manapla, while a policeman and two civilians were injured in a shooting incident in Escalante City, all in Negros Occidental, July 1.
The victim was described by the police to be about 35 to 40 years old, wearing a black sando and blue shorts, and with an “Edgar Lusmenda” tattoo on the left arm.
The Manapla police said the victim was found with gunshot wounds in the head, hogtied, and his mouth covered with packing tape.
Two empty shells of a caliber 45 pistol and a placard with a “Wag Tularan. Kawatan ako” message were also recovered at the scene of incident, which is about 80 meters from the Bangga Ibus national highway in Brgy. Tortosa, Manapla.
On the other hand, Police Master Sgt. Teofisto Aburido and two civilians, identified as Jeban Sayon, 18, and Jay R Garganera, were injured during a shooting incident also Saturday in Brgy. Alimango, Escalante City.
Aburido, who is assigned at the Escalante City Police Station, tried to pacify a still unidentified suspect and Michael Bitela, a sheriff, who figured in a heated argument.
The suspect took his firearm and shot Aburido in the abdomen, while Sayon was hit on the right lower hip and Garganera on his left foot.
Aburido managed to return fire but the suspect, who was not hit, was able to escape, the Escalante City police said.
Recovered at the scene of incident were eight fired cartridges, live ammunition for caliber 45 pistol, a deformed slug, four empty shells of 9mm pistol, and a brown gun holster.
P/Maj. John Ganzon, Escalante City police chief, said that the three victims are now in stable condition./GB
