Village watchman killed, colleague hurt by hitman in Quezon City
MANILA, Philippines — A barangay (village) watchman was killed while his colleague was hurt when a motorcycle-riding gunman shot at their vehicle as they were patrolling a Quezon City neighborhood early Tuesday.
Michael Jarabejo, 41, died of multiple gunshot wounds at the Chinese General Hospital in Manila while his fellow watchman, Alejandro Merin, 41 has been confined at the same hospital.
The two men were barangay peace and security officers and residents of Barangay (village) San Isidro Labrador, both residing on Isarog Street.
Senior Police Officer 1 Joselito Gagaza, the case investigator, learned that prior to the shooting, the victims were on night duty.
The attack happened at around 4:05 a.m. at the corner of Baco and Maria Clara Streets as Merin was driving their patrol vehicle, a Suzuki multicab with license plate SGZ 205.
The pair had just ended their night patrol and were about to take a morning coffee break when a man on a white Suzuki motorcycle blocked their path.
Article continues after this advertisementThe assailant was described to be wearing a crash helmet and wielded a 9 mm pistol.
Article continues after this advertisementThe gunman got off his motorcycle and without warning, walked to the barangay watchmen and shot Jarabejo several times.
Jarabejo was hit in different parts of his body while Merin was hit in the right side of his chest by a stray bullet.
Gagaza said he tried to talk to the surviving watchman before he underwent surgery, but Merin remained mum as to what happened or what could be the motive for the attack.
The gunman fled aboard his motorcycle, leaving behind four fired cartridge cases, one live bullet, and two fired bullets, all of 9 mm caliber.
Meanwhile, Jarabejo died while undergoing treatment for his wounds at around 4:50 a.m. at the Chinese General Hospital.
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