Councilor hurt, gunman killed in shooting

Saturday, September 3, 2011

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Councilor Ronel Rivera was seriously wounded when a man, who was later killed, shot him inside his car early Saturday.

Rivera reportedly drove home one Sheila Tañeda to her brother’s house along Mateo Compound when the gunman, identified as Januart de la Cruz, knocked at his car’s door. The suspect immediately fired his gun at the councilor.

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Rivera is the third son of fishing magnate Rodrigo Rivera Sr.

The official reportedly sustained a gunshot wound on his neck and chest. The window at the passenger side of Rivera’s Nissan Patrol car was shattered by bullets.

Rivera’s bodyguards fired back at the gunman who was reportedly in relationship with the 28-year-old Tañeda.

De la Cruz was brought to a hospital where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.

Rivera, on the other hand, is still under careful watch by his doctors at the St. Elizabeth Hospital.

A police investigator, who requested anonymity, said the gunman was apparently waiting outside the rented apartment of Tañeda's brother inside his L-200 pick-up truck.

Rivera, who just arrived from Cebu where he celebrated his birthday with his family, was with friends at the Cassado Billiards Bar earlier in the night after attending the 13th Tuna Congress.

Tañeda arrived at the bar past 1:30 a.m. with some gay friends and her brother.

Tañeda owns several bars in the city and reportedly just came from the City Oval Plaza where she put up a stall for the ongoing Tuna Festival.

Rivera reportedly offered to drive home Tañeda, who is a personal friend.

Bula Police Station Chief Hoover Antonio said they still cannot determine the caliber of the slugs recovered from the shooting scene.

Police said the handgun of the de la Cruz is missing including Rivera’s shoulder bag, which contained his personal handgun.

They also ruled out politics in the shooting incident.

Rivera topped the elections for councilors in 2010 and is said to be a strong candidate for mayor.

Meanwhile, Tañeda was still in the state of shock and declined to be interviewed, according to her older sister Lanie.

Investigations are ongoing. (Sunnex)