No suspects yet in slay of village chief in Tagum

TAGUM CITY, Philippines – Police are still facing a blank wall as to the motive and possible suspects in the shooting to death of a barangay (village) chairman here over the weekend.

Follow-up investigations have been going on to locate possible witnesses to the murder of Magugpo West barangay (village) chair Niño Cutin who was shot in broad daylight last Saturday, said Inspector Anjanette Tirador, Tagum City police investigation officer.

The 32-year-old Cutin was onboard his motorcycle on his way to the barangay hall when attacked by one of two motorcycle-riding men at a street at Purok (Community) Vipatil, Magugpo West around 10:45 a.m., said SPO1 Brigido Lagula, Tagum police investigator.

“He was shot once at close range by the motorcycle’s backrider at the side of the head. The suspects, wearing helmet and on black jackets then sped off in an unknown direction,” Lagula said.

A fired slug and an empty cartridge from a bullet of a .45 pistol were recovered at the crime scene as well as the victim’s helmet and pairs of slippers, police said.

The victim was pronounced dead upon arrival by physicians of Davao Regional Hospital (DRH) where he was rushed.

Cutin’s killing was the fifth in sixth shooting incidents reported in Tagum during the month of August, police said.