Roxas City police forms task force vs bizman’s killers

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — Police on Friday afternoon, Nov. 22, formed a task force to investigate and pursue the suspects who shot dead a businessman Friday morning, Nov. 21, while he was overseeing work at his establishment on Premier de Mayo Street in Barangay IX, Roxas City.

Police Lt. Col. Ricardo Jomuad Jr., Roxas City police chief, said in a press conference that a special investigating team was immediately created to track down and arrest the suspects who killed Rogelio “Nonoy” Buaron, 60, a resident of Poblacion Ilaya, Panay, Capiz.

He was declared dead on arrival at St. Anthony College Hospital after his bodyguard rushed him there in a pickup.

Police said they have yet to identify any suspect in Buaron’s killing.

The initial investigation indicated that the attack was likely planned, and authorities believe a lookout had positioned himself in the area before the shooting.

Jomuad said the assailants were possibly professionals based on how the attack was carried out.

He added that the victim’s family told investigators that Buaron had received death threats prior to the incident.

Police said Buaron was standing in front of his under-construction establishment with his bodyguard around 7:55 a.m. when two unidentified suspects on a white Honda Click motorcycle approached from behind and shot him several times at close range.

The suspects, both wearing helmets and bonnets, reportedly came from Pavia Street and fled toward Barangay Cagay after the attack.

Police said Buaron, who was wearing a yellow T-shirt, sustained three fatal gunshot wounds to the back that exited through his chest, along with another wound to his leg.

Investigators recovered seven empty .45-caliber shells from the crime scene.

A witness known as Toto, one of Buaron’s employees, said he did not recall anyone who may have held a grudge against the victim.

Police said they launched a hot pursuit operation to track down the suspects.

Investigators said they are looking into three possible motives: personal, business-related, and political.

Buaron, a known businessman, frequently visited an establishment in Barangay IX that had been robbed twice.

He previously ran for mayor of Panay town in the 2016 elections but lost, and he owned Dream Palace Hotel in Poblacion Ilaya.

He was also involved in Small Town Lottery operations as a “bookish,” a local term for individuals who collect bets for STL operators.

Police said they are reviewing CCTV footage, ballistic evidence, and witness statements to identify the suspects and prepare charges.

Investigators said they also recovered the victim’s cellphone, which was damaged after being hit by a bullet.

Police added that Buaron’s bodyguard was able to get the plate number of the getaway motorcycle.