Bodyguard, pal gunned down

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Two persons were shot dead along Circumferential road in Barangay Alijis here yesterday.

Police identified the victims as John Paul Montaño, 35, a bodyguard, and his companion Christopher Mondejar, both residents of Barangay Mansilingan here.

Police Captain Andy Ofalia, head of Police Station 7, said the victims came from a drinking session and were on their way to Barangay Punta Taytay on board a motorcycle, when they were tailed by a sedan ridden by two or more unidentified armed persons.

Ofalia believed that a brief chase happened between the suspects and the victims, until the latter were cornered in the said area, around 3 a.m.

The victims were found wounded beside their motorcycle and were taken to Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) here, but were declared dead.

Ofalia said the victims suffered multiple gunshot wounds and slashes.

Police recovered from the scene seven fired cartridge cases of a suspected .9mm caliber firearm, four cartridge cases of a .45 caliber pistol, and a knife.

Ofalia said they already have persons of interest in the incident. He said that they are looking into grudges as a possible motive, considering the background of Montaño.

He said that Montaño had various complaints in the past years for physical injuries, and was also reportedly involved in shooting and mauling incidents.

He believed that both of them were the targets of the perpetrators since they would usually tag along.

Ofalia said that Montaño was on his way to work when the gun attack happened.

He said the car that was used by the perpetrators will be subject for follow-up investigation.