Argao Councilor Shot Dead

Cebu Provincial Police Director Patrocinio Comendador has ordered the policemen in the municipality of Argao to arrest the assailant of Argao municipal Councilor Joaquin Banosong who was shot and killed by still unidentified gunman outside the town’s public market yesterday (Monday) afternoon.

The 65-year old outgoing municipal legislator was declared dead upon his arrival at the Isidro Kintanar Memorial Hospital in Argao.

Before he joined politics and was elected councilor of Argao — a municipality 60 kilometers southeast from Cebu City — Banosong used to be a policeman with the rank of Senior Police Officer-4 (Master Sergeant in the military service).

The records showed that Banosong used to be assigned with Alcoy Police Station until he retired from the active service. He is also serving his last term as councilor, which is due to end on June 30.

Investigation conducted showed that Banosong was about to board his silver Hyundai Starex with plate Number JEJ-899 when the unidentified gunman attacked him past 5 o’clock in the afternoon.

Witnesses said Banosong was about to leave market where he engaged in his lending business and he was carrying food for dinner and was believed to be going home to Barangay Talaga.

After shooting the victim, the assailant hurriedly fled on board a motorcycle proceeding to the south direction. The police probers believed that the gunman could have studied Banosong’s routine.

The vehicle’s windshield had two bullet holes and three three empty shells of a.45 pistol and a holster was recovered near the crime scene.

Comendador said he will also direct the members of the CPPO Crime Scene Investigation to help in the investigation by analyzing the evidence.