By CESAR JOLITO III

The family of a 50-year-old barber who was shot dead in Bacolod City’s Barangay Vista Alegre on Sunday night, June 7, believes he may have been a victim of mistaken identity.

The victim, Carlito Alcala Jr., a resident of Arao Dos in the village, was gunned down after an unidentified gunman entered his barbershop and opened fire while cutting a customer’s hair.

Two other customers waiting for their turn fled the scene as the suspect escaped, allegedly with a motorcycle-riding accomplice.

Police Station 7 said Scene of the Crime Operatives processed the area as authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the killing.

In an earlier statement, Police Captain Jay Reyes, Police Station 7 commander, said the victim had a previous case involving illegal gambling, but his family revealed he had no known enemies.

Meanwhile, the victim’s mother believes the shooting was a case of mistaken identity, insisting that her son had no existing conflicts and simply worked as a barber from their home.

She acknowledged that Alcala had previously been arrested for illegal gambling involving illegal bookies operations but said he never returned to that activity after his release from jail.

She also admitted that her son had used illegal drugs in the past, emphasizing that it had been a long time since he was involved with narcotics.

As the investigation continues, the victim’s mother is appealing to authorities to deliver justice and identify those responsible for her son’s death./CCJ, WDJ