By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY — Police believe anger triggered an unidentified suspect to kill a 30-year-old man at Purok Lampirong, Barangay 2, yesterday morning.
The victim, identified as Aljune Baticados of Barangay 6, was walking in the area around 10:15 a.m. when he was confronted by the suspect, who was on a motorcycle, according to Police Major Eugene Tolentino, head of Police Station 2.
Sensing danger, Baticados attempted to flee, but the suspect shot him and fled the scene. The victim sustained four gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at a hospital.
Police recovered four spent shells from a suspected .45 caliber firearm at the scene.
Tolentino said Baticados frequently loitered in Barangay 2, despite his relatives advising him to stay home due to his alleged mental condition.
The family did not confirm the illness, as they had not taken him to a hospital for diagnosis or treatment.
The victim had previously been arrested for illegal gambling and was suspected by some residents to be involved in theft incidents, though no official complaints had been filed, Tolentino added.
Authorities believe the perpetrator may have acted out of anger, as the attack appeared premeditated.