Gunned down day after death threat

A real estate broker who just came from a bank to withdraw half a million pesos was shot dead while his uncle was wounded yesterday morning in Banilad, Cebu City.

According to SPO4 Alex Dacua of the Cebu City Police Office Homicide Section, the incident took place two days after victim Edgar Cañete, 50, received a death threat through a text message.

Cañete who sustained multiple gunshot wounds was declared dead at Gullas Medical Center while his uncle, Rudy Capito, 63, is confined at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Center (VSMMC) for a gunshot wound in the left foot.

Cañete, his live-in partner Sheila Bagiuo, and Capito just withdrew P500,000 cash from a bank along AS Fortuna St., barangay Banilad, Cebu City past 10 a.m. when the shooting happened.

The gunman, who was in camouflage apparel, was reportedly waiting outside the bank.

When they came out, the gunman approached the victim and asked if his name was Edgar.

The victim said yes and was heard by witnesses telling the gunman that his lawyer will settle their problem.

The assailant pulled out a gun and shot Cañete. Cañete tried to parry the gun but Capito’s foot was hit.

The gunman continued to shoot Cañete several times. Then, he hurriedly left on board a motorcycle driven by a companion.

The cash was found in Cañete’s possession. Police also recovered seven empty shells of a .45 caliber handgun from the crime scene.

Dacua said it is likely that the gunman was hired. They immediately conducted a hot pursuit operation but it yielded negative results.

Dacua further revealed that on Saturday last week, Edgar received a text message warning him to watch out when he withdraws the money from RCBC.

Dacua said they have not established the motive of the attack and they are considering all angles including Cañete’s job as a real estate broker. /Correspondent Chito O. Aragon