BACOLOD CITY – A tricycle driver was gunned down near a shopping mall on Rizal St., Barangay 12 here on Tuesday, July 18.
The victim was identified as Joenel Pahilanga, 29, of Kabugwason, Barangay Mansilingan, this city.
Police Major Elmer Bonilla, head of Police Station 1, said the victim was sitting on his tricycle when a man driving a motorcycle arrived and shot him from behind.
Bonilla said the victim sustained a bullet wound in the head and was declared dead in a hospital.
Police recovered from the crime scene an empty .45 caliber cartridge.
The incident happened a few meters away from a police station. Bonilla said that police immediately responded after receiving the report.
Following the incident, Police Lt. Col. Bonifacio Ancajas Jr., spokesperson of the Bacolod City police, said they will strengthen police assistance desks (PADs) in malls to assist security guards in ensuring the safety of mall-goers.