A 63-year-old fish vendor was injured after being shot by suspected riding-in-tandem gunmen early Friday morning in Cebu City, authorities said.
The victim was identified as Elena Bascon, a resident of Barangay Buhisan. The shooting happened past 5 a.m. on May 15 along Tres de Abril Street in Barangay Labangon.
Based on the initial police investigation, Bascon was riding a motorcycle when unidentified suspects onboard another motorcycle allegedly opened fire at her.
In an interview with Brigada News FM Cebu, the habal-habal driver who transported the victim said he initially heard gunshots but did not immediately realize that his passenger had already been hit.
The driver said he became aware of the situation only after Bascon asked for help and he noticed that she was already bleeding. He immediately stopped the motorcycle and sought assistance.
Bascon sustained a gunshot wound to the shoulder and was rushed to a hospital for medical treatment.
The driver also said the victim told him that she had no known enemies.
Investigators are looking into the possibility that the victim may have been mistaken for a police or law enforcement asset, although authorities have yet to confirm any motive behind the attack.
Police have not identified the suspects and continue conducting an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities are also reviewing possible evidence and witness accounts that may help identify the gunmen involved in the incident.
