Village councilor’s son tagged in Tagum gun attack that killed trader

DAVAO CITY — Police on Thursday said a son of a village councilor in Laak town, Compostela Valley was the gunman who shot and killed a businessman and wounded a police officer during a shooting incident in Tagum City, Davao del Norte on Tuesday.

Chief Insp. Jason Baria, Southern Mindanao Police Office spokesperson, said the body of the slain suspect was identified by Eduardo Sabehon as that of his 28-year-old son Jhonrey, of Purok 6, Sitio Puyo, Barangay Sta. Emelia, Laak.

The younger Sabehon was tagged as the assailant of a retired police officer and pawnshop owner Simplicio Samar Jr. and PO3 Eduardo Bajalia.

Citing a report from the Tagum City police station, Baria said the incident happened outside Samar’s pawnshop along Osmeña Street, Barangay Magugpo Poblacion at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday as he was talking to Bajalia.

Sabehon allegedly walked up to Samar and shot him several times, killing the victim on the spot and attempted to flee on foot.

Bajalia then drew a gun and fired at the suspect. A brief exchange of fire ensued, killing Sabehon and wounding Bajalia.

Baria, the regional police spokesperson, said authorities have formed a task group that would investigate the brazen gun attack, which happened during the afternoon rush hour along one of Tagum’s busiest streets. /ee