Leader of ComVal van operators killed in Tagum ambush

Crime scene investigation: Ambush (CDN FILE PHOTO/ JUNJIE MENDOZA)

TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte — Gunmen shot and killed the president of an association of passenger van operators in Compostela Valley after attending a session of the city council here, police said.

Danilo Molejon was driving his pickup truck along a road near the city’s motorpool in Tipaz in Magugpo East village when attacked past 10 a.m. on Tuesday (Nov. 22), said Supt. Laudemer Laude, the Tagum City police chief.

Molejon, president of the Monkayo Van Operators and Drivers Association (Monvoda) based in Monkayo, Compostela Valley, succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds, Laude said.

“According to initial investigation, the victim was shot by motorcycle-riding assailants. Probably he was being followed,” Laude told the Philippine Daily Inquirer by phone.

Edwin Lasquite, the city information officer, said Molejon had just left the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) session hall when attacked.

“He left after the (SP) question hour,” Lasquite said, adding that among the council’s agenda was the issue concerning van operations along Tagum roads.

An investigation into the killing continues, according to Laude.  SFM