By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A suspected robbery group leader was killed after being clubbed Sunday evening at Bangga Aning in Barangay Pahanocoy, Bacolod City.

Police identified the fatality as 35-year-old Ritchie Villanueva, the suspected leader of the Riching Villanueva robbery group, which operates in the southern part of Negros Occidental.

In a radio interview, Police Station 8 (PS8) commander, Police Chief Inspector Ruel Culanag, said Villanueva was last seen drinking with friends.

Afterwards, Villanueva began acting violently and tried to maul and stab several people near his home.

When Villanueva tried to force his way into a nearby hut, in an attempt to assault a local resident, he clubbed in the head by 33-year-old Joemar Dayuno, killing the victim on the spot.

Dayuno, meanwhile, fled the scene.

The PS8 commander said he was surprised, after positively identifying the victim, pointing out Villanueva had outstanding arrest warrants for murder, frustrated murder, homicide, and frustrated homicide.

He added, Villanueva is also a “self-confessed” hired killer, said to be responsible for the deaths of at least 19 people.

PS8 are presently conducting a follow-up operation against Dayuno./DGB, WDJ