BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City – A 29-year-old man was shot dead by an unidentified gunman in Barangay Lopez Jaena Norte, La Paz district on Thursday night, November 28.
Antonio Baybayanon Jr. sustained a gunshot wound to the nape. He was declared dead on arrival at West Visayas State University Medical Center (WVSUMC) by the attending physician.
According to his wife, Nemia, Baybayanon had left their house to buy cigarettes at a nearby store when the incident occurred.
Initial investigations revealed that the gunman had been waiting for Baybayanon. The suspect reportedly ambushed the victim, who attempted to flee but was fatally shot using a 12-gauge homemade shotgun.
Police said the assailant immediately fled the scene, possibly on foot, contradicting earlier reports of a getaway vehicle.
Baybayanon was listed as a person of interest by the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC). His wife admitted that he occasionally used illegal drugs but claimed he had no known enemies or threats to his life.
Lieutenant Querubin Jr., chief of the Iloilo City Police Station 2, said that investigators were pursuing leads and have identified a person of interest.
Witnesses also reported seeing the suspect loitering near the store before targeting the victim./PN
