THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) continues its investigation into the murder of a businessman inside a taxi cab along Circumferential Road on Wednesday, June 19.
The victim, identified by his wife as Leopoldo Mascardo Gonzaga, 67, resident of Ladislawa, was shot multiple times by unidentified assailants on a motorcycle.
“Mrs. Gonzaga arrived at the crime scene around 2:20 p.m. and identified her husband,” said DCPO spokesperson Capt. Hazel Tuazon in an interview on Thursday.
“We are currently investigating the motive behind the killing, with a focus on Mr. Gonzaga’s lending business,” Tuazon said.
Tuazon elaborated that the possibility of a disgruntled client being involved is being explored.
“Ang business sa victim po kay lending ..possible motive kay regarding sa utang kay naa cyay gipang filan sa korte nga wala pa makabayad,” she added.
However, she said all avenues remain open as the investigation progresses.
At approximately 11 a.m., the victim was picked up by a Speed 13 taxi driver at the Hall of Justice in Ecoland. The taxi was headed towards Ladislawa when gunshots were heard near the Iglesia Ni Cristo church on Circumferential Road.
Two unidentified suspects fled the scene. The victim was declared dead at the scene by Central 911 medical responders.
A crime scene investigation led by PLT Bernadeth Magallanes recovered four fired .45 caliber casings and one fired bullet.
