Police have formed a special investigation task force and intensified hot pursuit and dragnet operations following the fatal shooting of an Indian national in Bacolod City on Tuesday night, Aug. 4.
Bacolod City Police Office Director Col. Eugene Rebadomia said during a press conference on Wednesday, Aug. 5, that the incident ended nearly a month without any recorded shooting incident in the city.
“We have been at zero for almost a month when it comes to shooting incidents until this case,” Rebadomia said.
He said investigators are reviewing CCTV footage and conducting backtracking as part of the investigation.
A Special Investigation Task Group has also been created to focus on solving the case.
Initial police investigation showed the victim was riding his motorcycle along Purok Bayanihan, Brgy. Villamonte, at about 9 p.m. after reportedly buying personal necessities at the Homesite Market.
Maj. Marc Joeil Reclamado, commander of Bacolod Police Station 4, said witnesses told investigators that two suspects riding in tandem followed the victim, overtook him, then turned back before opening fire.
Police found Singh lying lifeless beside his motorcycle with a gunshot wound to the head.
Crime scene investigators recovered three spent cartridge cases and one fired slug.
Reclamado said all of the victim’s personal belongings remained at the scene, indicating that robbery is not being considered as the apparent motive.
Police are also examining the victim’s mobile phone and interviewing his relatives for possible leads.
According to the victim’s relatives, the victim had been staying in Bacolod for only about five months.
Police said they have yet to confirm whether the victim was directly involved in a lending business reportedly operated by his relatives.
Reclamado added that a background check showed the victim had no previous records with Police Station 4, while verification with the barangay is ongoing.
Police pursuit and dragnet operations are underway.*
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