By CESAR JOLITO III

A suspect was killed in a police shootout after a fatal shooting of a businessman and the injuring of another civilian in a public plaza at Barangay Dancalan in Negros Occidental’s Ilog town yesterday.

Ilog police identified the gunman as 34-year-old Vannie Galagate, also known as “Dodoy,” a resident of Sitio Gusnit, Barangay Pinggot in the town.

Killed in the shooting was 50-year-old Philip George Vail Sr., chairman of the board at Dancalan Private Academy.

Police said Galagate shot Vail in the neck at 7:30 a.m. after the victim had just arrived at the barangay covered court.

He died on the spot.

A bystander, 36-year-old Stephen Tuanes, also a resident of Dancalan, was hit by a stray bullet and was currently being treated at the Lorenzo D. Zayco District Hospital.

Police responded to the scene and spotted Galagate trying to flee on a motorcycle.

When they tried to intercept him, Galagate reportedly opened fire, prompting Police Corporal Daniel Elbanbuena to shoot back, fatally hitting the suspect.

Recovered from the scenes were a .45 caliber pistol used by Galagate and a .22 caliber revolver in the possession of Vail.

Three spent shells were also found at the crime scene.

Police are looking into land conflict or dispute over properties as Vail had many properties in Ilog.

Authorities have not ruled out personal or business-related conflict and are also checking possible links to other cases involving the suspect.

An investigation is ongoing./CJ, WDJ