By CESAR JOLITO III

A 37-year-old businessman was shot dead by four armed suspects inside his own billiard hall at Barangay General Luna in Negros Occidental’s Toboso town on Wednesday night, May 27.

The victim, identified only by his alias “Klong-klong,” was a resident of Sitio Bebang in the village.

Toboso police investigator Police Senior Sergeant Eugene Kangkee said the victim had just returned from the public market where he was reportedly securing pork meat orders for his business.

Initial investigation revealed that the businessman’s minor child heard motorcycles arrive outside their residence shortly after 8:00 p.m.

When the child went out to check, he allegedly saw four armed men cornering his father.

The victim’s wife also attempted to go outside, but one of the suspects reportedly prevented her from leaving the house.

The armed men then ordered the child to return inside before several gunshots, estimated at more than five rounds, were heard by the family.

The suspects fled the scene.

The wife and child found the victim lying lifeless inside their billiard hall.

Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the killing as police continue their investigation and hot pursuit operations against the suspects./CJ, WDJ