By: Vanessa Bugtong
A 43-year-old tricycle driver died after being shot at close range by an unidentified suspect in Barangay 1, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte on the night of November 25.
Police are now appealing to the public for information that could help track down the gunman.
Authorities found the victim, identified as Felino Gubac Pascua Jr., lying unconscious behind a bus terminal with a gunshot wound to the chest.
Investigation officer PCpt. Kester Arellano said Pascua had just left his wife’s home after receiving a call. “Some witnesses said someone shot him at close range just a few meters from his wife’s house,” he explained.
Pascua was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Arellano said the victim sustained a gunshot wound that entered his right chest and exited near his spinal area, indicating a close-range attack.
Police recovered a spent shell from a .45-caliber firearm at the crime scene.
Authorities are still determining the motive behind the killing. “There were several events he was involved in, so we are checking whether any of those are connected to the shooting,” Arellano said.
To speed up the investigation, police urged residents to report any sightings of a red Toyota sedan with a shattered rear windshield, allegedly used by the suspect in fleeing the area.
Arellano said the rear glass was damaged because residents threw objects at the vehicle during the attack.
The suspect was last seen heading toward the southeastern part of the barangay.
Police continue to gather leads as the investigation progresses.
