ORMOC CITY – Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a 62-year-old fruit vendor who was attacked by a gunman posing as a customer at his stall in Barangay Nauguisan, Carigara, Leyte, on Sept. 17.
Nicolas “Nicnic” Llornas was shot at least three times from behind by a lone gunman who used a .45-caliber handgun, according to his partner, who witnessed the incident.
The suspect was wearing a hooded jacket and a face mask that covered most of his face, leaving only his eyes visible, the victim’s partner said.
She said the gunman initially acted as an ordinary customer and asked to buy fruits, telling them that he would pay through GCash. This allowed her to briefly see the suspect’s face at close range.
Llornas was initially brought to the Carigara District Hospital, where he received first aid. One bullet was removed and one of his wounds was stitched before he was transferred by ambulance to the Eastern Visayas Medical Center in Tacloban City for further treatment.
He later died from his injuries.
Before his death, Llornas reportedly mentioned a person’s name twice. His family and partner believe he may have been referring to someone they suspect could be behind the shooting.
Police are looking into this information as part of their investigation, but the identity of the suspect and the motive for the killing have yet to be established.
Carigara police chief Capt. Alma Corpus is leading the investigation to identify and locate the gunman and determine the circumstances surrounding the killing.
Llornas’ partner said she was willing to file charges once the suspect is identified and arrested.
His family is also appealing for justice and expressing hope that the investigation will lead to the identification, arrest, and prosecution of the person responsible for his death.
(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)
