Man killed at Christmas party

A 69-year-old homeowners association president was shot dead in front of children during a Christmas party in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Antipolo City, on Sunday morning.

Hermilo Balucan was talking to his staff at the Puyat covered court around 9 a.m. when a still unidentified man shot him at close range in the head and body, according to Supt. Ruben Andiso, Antipolo police chief.

The victim’s friends rushed him to a hospital in a tricycle. According to Andiso, Balucan was taken to Clinica Antipolo Hospital where he was later declared dead by doctors.

Witnesses said that after the shooting, the gunman casually walked away toward another man waiting on a motorcycle. They later sped off.

Andiso said they were looking for witnesses to give a more detailed description of the assailant’s face.
Those at the crime scene said the gunman wore a black and gray shirt, pants and a ball cap, he added.

Police investigators recovered bullet casings at the scene although they have yet to determine the type of firearm used.

Balucan was president of the Puyat Subdivision homeowners association in Sitio Sampaguita, Barangay Sta. Cruz.

Andiso said the party was about to start when the victim was killed.

According to him, there was no clear motive yet for the killing as investigators were still gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.