A robbery suspect who had just posted bail was gunned down by motorcycle-riding assailants in a vigilante- style killing in Lapu-Lapu City yesterday afternoon.
The killing of Juntin Secretaria Avencena, 20, was professionally done and was similar to the vigilante-style killings in Cebu City, said Senior Supt. Anthony Obenza, director of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office.
Police said before the killing, Avencena posted bail at the Regional Trial Court in Lapu-Lapu City for the robbery charges filed against him.
From the court, Avencena and his cousin, Edwin Callo, 20, boarded a Trellos taxi with plate number GWS-757 driven by Josenoli Cosep, 40.
Avencena asked to be brought to Hi-way Seno in Mandaue City. He asked the driver to pass at the New Marcelo B. Fernan Bridge.
Police said when the taxi was about to make a U-turn going to the bridge, a motorcycle boarded by two men stopped at the right side of the taxi where the victim was seated.
The motorcycle-riding men wore black jackets and helmets. Their faces were covered.
When he saw the backrider poke a gun at him, Avencena got off the taxi through the left door and ran toward the bridge.
Avencena rode on a Canter truck driven by Dominador Ybañez, 56, who was with truck boys Jurry Montermoso, 24, and Roel Narbasa, 18.
The truck owned by Sampel Woods Industries came from barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu, and was headed to Mandaue.
From the back of the truck, Avencena transferred to the driver’s side passing through the window.
Dominador said he tried to stop Avencena but he forced his way inside.
Dominador said he stopped when the motorcycle-riding men blocked the truck.
Dominador and his truck boys tried to cover and pushed Avenceda upward when the assailants opened fire, hitting the victim in the head and chest. The vehicle’s windshield was shattered.
Recovered from the crime scene were six empty shells of .45 pistol.
Police said footage of the closed-circuit television cameras at the bridge will be reviewed.
PO2 Louisito Ernie said investigators are pursuing possible motives but refused to divulge more to avoid hampering follow-up investigation./REPORTER JUCELL MARIE P. CUYOS