A 47-YEAR-OLD ex-convict was shot dead at 11:45 p.m. on Thursday, January 16, 2025, in Sitio Lahing-lahing 2, Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City.
The victim, identified as Eugene Gabato Tapipe, a resident of Barangay Talamban, sustained gunshot wounds to the chest and side of his body.
According to the Mabolo Police Station investigation, the victim was riding a motorcycle driven by a friend when they arrived at the area near MJ Cuenco Avenue.
As they were about to enter Sitio Lahing-lahing 2, an unknown assailant wearing a gray T-shirt and a bonnet suddenly opened fire on them before fleeing the scene.
Witnesses said the driver managed to drive a few more meters before the wounded victim fell off the motorcycle.
The driver reportedly sped away, leaving the victim behind, and went directly to the Mabolo barangay hall to report the shooting but never returned to the scene.
Police Major Romeo Caacoy Jr., chief of the Mabolo Police Station, said they are now searching for the victim’s companion to identify him and investigate his suspicious actions.
Caacoy also believes that the gunman was aware of the victim’s arrival in the area, as witnesses claimed the assailant had been lingering there for some time, seemingly waiting for someone.
“Base sa mga circumstances no, timing man kaayo, so naay knowledge ang gunman nga moagi gyud didto anang orasa ang biktima. Kining biktima dili man ni taga diha," said Caacoy.
(Based on the circumstances, it seems very timely. The gunman had knowledge that the victim would pass by the area at that time, especially since the victim is not from that place.)
Caacoy said that Tapipe was arrested by the Mabolo Police Station in 2015 for cases related to illegal drugs and firearms. After his release, he was rearrested in 2022 by the Mambaling Police Station for another drug-related case.
Investigators suspect the motive for the crime may be related to illegal drugs.
At the crime scene, the Scene of the Crime Operatives recovered three caliber .45 shell casings.
The Mabolo Police Station is reviewing closed circuit television (CCTV) footage from the area and has launched a manhunt operation for their person of interest. (AYB)