2 killed in stabbing, shooting incidents

A BUSINESSMAN and a land overseer were killed in separate violent incidents during the New Year's Day in Zamboanga City, the police reported Wednesday.

The police identified the victims as businessman Hernafel Grajo and land overseer Bienvinido Saavedra, who were shot and stabbed to death, respectively.

Grajo, who is into gravel and sand and hardware business, was shot to death around 7 p.m. Tuesday in a dimly-lit portion of Governor Ramos Avenue, Sta. Maria village, three kilometers north of the city.

Police Station 7 commander Chief Inspector Larry Domingo said Grajo could have known the suspects since the victim's motorcycle was on a full-stop position few meters from where he fell dead.

The suspects, who remained unidentified and at large, were riding in tandem on a motorcycle, Domingo said.

Family members of Grajo, a resident of San Jose Gusu village, told the case investigator that the victim left home and was scheduled to attend a meeting, Domingo said.

Around 10 empty shells of caliber .45 pistol were recovered from the crime scene, Domingo added.

Saavedra, on the other hand, was allegedly stabbed by Sangkula Kadil, 31, at Purok 2 in the village of Sangali, 25 kilometers east of the city.

Investigation showed that Kadil stabbed Saavedra, 31, when a heated argument ensued between them while having a drinking spree around 12:34 a.m. Tuesday, Police Station 3 commander Senior Inspector Noel Lozano said.

The victim was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead upon arrival by the attending physician.

The suspect voluntarily surrendered to the Police Station 3, Lozano said.