Gunman shoots ex-detainee

Aformer detainee was shot twice in the head by a lone gunman in front of his live-in-partner in Malabon City Wednesday night.

Police said Enrico Banal, 33, tricycle driver, of Women’s Club Street, Barangay Hulong Duhat, Malabon City, succumbed to his gunshot wounds.

Initial investigation showed Banal and his live-in-partner Evelyn Suay, were walking in front of Halong Duhat Public Market when an unidentified man appeared around 10:25 p.m. and shot Banal twice in the head, instantly killing him.

Suay said that the gunman fled towards Barangay Tanza in Navotas City.

Police Officer 3 Julis Mabasa, investigator on the case, told the Manila Bulletin that Banal, who was detained for a drug case and was just released from the Malabon City Jail last May, knew that he would be killed.

“According to his partner, sinasabihan na siya ng victim na lumayu-layo sa kaniya dahil nga parang alam niya ng may papatay sa kaniya,” Mabasa explained.

“May kaibigan daw itong si Banal na napatay din last year, yung suspect daw doon yung nakikita niyang umaaligid-aligid sa kaniya,” Mabasa added.

Reports said Suay admitted to the police that Banal continued his involvement in illegal drug activities after his release.

Meanwhile, Suay said that she was not able to recognize the gunman who wore a cap.

Mabasa added that the closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage that they recovered was blurry because the area was so dark at that time.

Police seized from the scene two fired cartridge cases of an unknown caliber.