AUTHORITIES are eyeing two angles in the killing of the general manager of Northern Negros Electric Cooperative (Noneco) at 16th Lacson Street, Barangay 7, Bacolod City at about 12:10 a.m. Wednesday, December 21, 2022.
Lieutenant Jonito Pastrana, commander of Police Station 2, said they are looking at work or love triangle as possible motives in the killing of Atty. Danny Pondevilla, a resident of Providencia Subdivision, Barangay Mansilingan.
He said Pondevilla was inside his vehicle when unidentified assailants on board a motorcycle fired at him.
The victim sustained a gunshot wound on the back portion of his head and died on the spot.
Police recovered from scene an empty shell of .45 caliber pistol.
Pastrana said Pondevilla, who attended a Christmas party near the area, was about to go home with his co-worker, whose name is being withheld.
He said Pondevilla, who was allegedly under the influence of intoxicating liquor, parked his car at 16th Lacson Street when he was attacked by the unidentified assailants. His co-worker was unhurt.
He added Pondevilla's co-worker reported the incident to the station.
Pastrana also said that Pondevilla's co-worker and a male person who responded in the area underwent paraffin test Wednesday.
He said they have no lead yet on the identities of the assailants.
He stress they are conducting a thorough investigation and they are now coordinating with the business establishments near the area to check the closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera footages.
Pondevilla was also a former acting general manager of Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco).
SADDENED BY TRAGEDY
NONECO, in a statement said, they are deeply saddened by this tragedy, the loss of their beloved general manager.
“Words cannot describe what we feel as of the moment. Sending our prayers and sincere condolence to the bereaved family. You have left some wonderful memories that will never fade in our hearts,” they added.
CENECO also sent their sympathy, prayers of peace, comfort and justice for the bereaved family of Pondevilla.
“Your memory will forever remain in the hearts of the many people you have touched, especially in the Rural Electrification Movement,” they added.
The Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association, in a statement, said they hope that his family’s faith remains steadfast during these trying times.
They reiterated that the victim’s passing is a great loss to the whole rural electrification movement.
“His dedication and passion will forever remain as an example to us and to all advocates of the movement. We lost a friend, a strong advocate of the movement, and a loyal Warrior of Light. His dedication will forever be an inspiration to us,” they said.*