By MARTIN A. SADONGDONG
A police officer became the latest addition to the growing list of vigilante-style killings after he was shot dead by two motorcycle-riding men inside his vehicle in Muntinlupa City, Saturday night, the Southern Police District (SPD) reported.
Chief Inspector Ernesto Vega Eco, 39, of Blk 1, Lot 4, Phase3, Countryhomes Subdivision, Brgy. Putatan, Muntinlupa, died on the spot from multiple gunshot wounds in the head and body, according to Chief Superintendent Tomas Apolinario Jr., SPD director.
In a report sent to Apolinario, the Muntinlupa Police said Eco had just got out of their subdivision onboard his white SUV (AOA 3674) when the two motorcycle-riding armed men attacked him at about 8 p.m. in front of a fastfood restaurant on the southbound of National Road in Barangay Poblacion.
Police report said the suspects suddenly appeared near the driver’s side open window. The backrider then riddled Eco with bullets.
The suspects immediately sped off after the attack.
Nobody could tell the suspects’ descriptions as they were wearing helmets and face masks, police said.
However, a witness who wished not to be named claimed one of the suspects appeared to be a woman based on the shape of the body.
Apolinario bared that Eco was re-assigned to Maguindanao several months ago although he has yet to determine the reason of his reassignment.
“This office will verify whether he reported or went on AWOL (absent without official leave),” Apolinario said.
Responding crime scene investigators found six spent shells of unknown caliber of firearm at the crime scene.
Investigators are also checking closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the area to shed light on the incident.
Apolinario said they are still determining the motive behind the killing of Eco.