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Pangasinan police ignore trike drivers killings

URDANETA CITY, Pangasinan (Feb. 10) — Poverty-stricken tricycle drivers are the targets in carnap-murder modus operandi happening in the outskirts of this city.

A survivor and also lone witness who requested anonymity sought the protection of a public official when a group of men forced entry in his residence a week ago.

In November 24 at half-past seven in the evening, a group of five men hired his services for a P100 ride to a remote area in Brgy. Lelemaan in Laoac town. Upon reaching an irrigation canal, a member of the group fired at him while the others stabbed to death his brother-in-law, who was with him.

The assailants fled from the crime scene, carting away the victim’s Honda 155 unit. The survivor sustained three gunshot wounds in the back, shoulder and jaw while his brother-in-law died shortly after they were rushed to Sacred Heart Hospital in this city.

The killings allegedly claimed seven lives among his fellow drivers in 2004. A similar practice was done to previous incidents which prey on nightshift drivers in this city.

However, the police said the killings were ‘unfounded’ and what happened recently was ‘isolated’.

Supt. Manuel Obrera said the drivers are partly to blame since they are easily lured by small amounts and are willing to travel beyond their respective areas of operation. The incident should not stir false terror among local tricycle drivers, Obrera added.

On Tuesday, the victim filed a formal complaint against a village captain who reportedly bought the stolen unit.

As the police faces a ‘blank wall’ as to the identity of his perpetrators, the victim admitted he will not pursue the assailants in jail but rather, he anticipates a work opportunity abroad this 2005.# Jhong dela Cruz for NORDIS

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