2 foreigners robbed, Pinoy shot dead

SOME P100,000 worth of jewelry and cash were carted away by seven armed men who robbed two foreigners and shot dead one of their two Filipino companions Sunday afternoon in Barangay Balubal, Cagayan de Oro City.

Police identified the two foreigners as Michael Hatcher and Nigel Cosans from England and their Filipino companion as Albert Bucayag.

The fatality was identified as Melanio Labarda Jr., whose body was reportedly dumped into a ravine after he was shot.

Senior Police Officer 1 Albert Hermoso of Puerto Police Station 6 said the incident happened around 2 p.m. in Purok 1, Barangay Balubal.

Initial investigation showed that the four victims were onboard a maroon Isuzu Crosswind when they were flagged down by seven armed men.

Police said the suspects took the personal belongings of the two foreigners and brought them to a wooded area. They were reportedly released after a few hours and were given P1,000 by the suspects.

Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) Director Graciano Mijares said the two foreigners were having a negotiation with the suspects in connection with gold bars.

“Kanang kinaraan gihapon nga paagi sa pangilad sa gold bars. In fact, kadtong gipatay maoy nagkontak sa mga suspects. Murag nahulog to nga gi-double cross kadtong gipatay,” Mijares said.

Police are eyeing robbery with homicide as motive of the incident.

Mijares said they already have an artist sketch of the suspects and is now conducting follow up investigation and pursuit operation against them.

“Naay grupo nga atong gimonitor karon,” he said.

But Mijares declined to give further details on the matter so as not to jeopardize their ongoing police operation.