ILIGAN CITY — A retired soldier who was serving as the chief of the Civil Security Unit in Linamon, Lanao del Norte was shot dead by still unidentified gunmen outside his residence in Barangay Tambacan on Wednesday night, May 6.
The victim was identified as Leonardo Abapo, 59, a retired Army Master Sergeant and former bodyguard of a former mayor. He was also known in the community as a respected resident and public servant.
Based on the initial police investigation, the incident happened at around 7 p.m. in Purok 2-A, Barangay Tambacan, Iligan City.
Authorities said Abapo had just arrived home from Linamon, Lanao del Norte and was about to park his motorcycle inside their compound when an unidentified suspect suddenly approached and opened fire.
Witnesses and residents in the area said the gunman, described as wearing a brown jacket and a cap, appeared to have tailed the victim before carrying out the attack. After shooting Abapo, the suspect reportedly fired another shot at the victim’s head to ensure his death before fleeing the scene.
Residents added that the suspect removed his jacket while escaping from the area, possibly to avoid identification.
Police investigators recovered spent bullet casings at the crime scene, indicating that the victim sustained at least two gunshot wounds. Authorities have yet to determine the caliber of the firearm used in the killing.
In an interview with investigators, the victim’s wife, Marilou Abapo, said they were unaware of any personal enemies of her husband. She described the retired soldier as a kind and peaceful man who was well-known in their barangay.
However, she admitted that the attack could possibly be connected to his line of work, considering his role as head of the Civil Security Unit in Linamon and his previous assignments in security operations.
The killing has shocked residents of Barangay Tambacan, with many expressing fear and concern over the brazen attack carried out near the victim’s home.
Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) and local police investigators are continuing their investigation to identify the perpetrators and establish the motive behind the assassination.
As of Thursday, no suspect has been arrested.