BATAC CITY, Jan. 26–Two assailants on foot fatally shot Ruel Renon, a money lender, at a busy street at Brgy. Caunayan here this afternoon, police said.
The attack occurred while Renon was busy collecting debt payments from his regular clients engaged in small-scale businesses.
Renon sustained a single gunshot wound in the back. The bullet exited below his throat. He died on the spot. He hailed from Brgy. Sangladan, Paoay, Ilocos Norte. He had an infant child with his live-in partner.
Investigators said the victim’s belt bag was allegedly missing and was believed to have been taken by the assailants. It allegedly contained his daily collection of undetermined cash.
Deputy police chief, C/I Ernesto Sadian said the suspects, shortly after the shooting, casually walked towards a waiting car in a nearby street corner.
At this juncture, Sadian said, a cop (retired?) who was near the crime scene heard gunshots and peeped at the fleeing suspects.
When they pointed a gun at the cop, he quickly drew his pistol and traded shot with the assailants.
A claim that the cop had wounded one of the suspects was being verified, said P/Supt. Reynaldo Lizardo, INPPO chief investigator.
SOCO team recovered at least eight empty shells for bullets of cal. 45 pistol near the crime scene.(tsg w/ rl, br report)
