45-year old woman shot dead by riding-in-tandem in Rizal

A 45-year old woman sweeping the road near her home in Barangay San Isidro, Rodriguez in Rizal was shot dead by a riding-in-tandem on Tuesday, February 4.

Rodriguez, Rizal police chief Police Lt. Col. Paul Sabulao said one of the two suspects approached the victim and shot her with a .45 calibre gun.

The victim sustained two gunshot wounds, which eventually led to her death.

Police investigation revealed a longtime property dispute among neighbors as the motive for the crime.

“Sa pag-iimbestiga natin, walang title itong loteng kinatitirikan ng kanilang bahay, itong inaangkin nila’y walang titulo kaya pinapaalis din sila. Ang kanilang pinanghahawakan ay matagal na silang tumitira diyan,” said Sabulao.

(Based on our investigation, they don’t have the title to the lot where their house is, which they’re claiming. That’s why they’re being asked to leave. But what they’re holding on to is the fact that they’ve been living there for a while.)

After the fatal shooting, police said the suspects fled the crime scene. But one of them was later arrested after he was identified by the victim’s two children, who also stood as witnesses in the case.

Police arrested a senior citizen, who allegedly drove the motorcycle used in the crime.

“Bago ang pangyayari, ayon sa kanila, dalawang beses na muna umikot sa lugar nila at sa pangatlong pagbalik doon, doon na nangyari ang pamamaril,” Sabulao said.

(Before the incident, according to them, the suspects went around the area twice. When they passed the victim a third time, the shooting happened.)

GMA Integrated News sought the side of the arrested suspect who is facing a murder complaint, but he refused to give a statement.

But, police said, he is denying the allegations.

Authorities are still in search of the gunman, who escaped after the shooting.

They are also looking for the firearm and motorcycle used in the crime. — BAP, GMA Integrated News