Riding-in-tandem killers strike again

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Riding-in-tandem gunmen killed a man outside his house in Jaro, Iloilo City morning of June 18, 2020.

Reports indicated that 63-year-old Herbert Catacutan was cleaning their front yard at Landheightsville Subdivision in Brgy. Tagbak when two motorcycle-riding suspects (MRS) arrived.

According to an eyewitness, the motorcycle’s back rider alighted from the vehicle and repeatedly shot the victim at close range.

The victim died of eight gunshot wounds at Iloilo Metro Hospital.

Police Major Renante Jomocan, Jaro police chief, said eyewitness could not identify the suspects who wore masks.

Jomocan said investigation is still going on to determine the suspects and the motive of the incident.

He’s (Catacutan) not on Jaro PNP’s drugs watchlist, he said.

But neighbors claimed that the victim appeared to be “paranoid” of individuals he did not personally know.

“Nagapanitá ni sya sang mga tawo nga nagalabay sa ila,” Jomocan said, alluding that Catacutan suspected that he was under surveillance.

Neighbors claimed that some individuals have been monitoring Catacutan’s activities two nights before he was gunned down.

The persons were on board a motorcycle and wore helmets and jackets.

At around 12 am Thursday, motorcycle-riding persons appeared to be circling Catacutan’s house.

Recovered from the crime scene were nine empty shells of caliber .9mm ammunitions.