A 35-year-old beauty salon owner was killed in a daring gun attack caught on a closed-circuit television camera inside his establishment in General Santos City on Wednesday night.
The victim was identified as Renante Tampus, a member of the LGBT community.
Investigation said an unidentified armed man entered the establishment before 7 p.m.
Moments later, customers inside fled upon seeing the suspect, who went outside but later returned and shot the victim.
The victim was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead.
The suspect fled onboard a motorcycle driven by a companion.
Police said they have identified the suspects and conducting a manhunt operation against them.
Lawmen are eyeing business and personal as motives behind the incident. Recovered from the crime scene were several empty bullet shells.
The incident was caught on closed-circuit television camera.
General Santos City Councilor Ed Yumang condoled with the family of the victim.
“Ren Tampus was one proud salon owner and has successfully opened several branches of her salon in the city, and because of this, along with her many achievements, she served as an inspiration to the LGBTQIA+ community,” Yumang said in a Facebook post.
“I highly condemn this act of violence committed against a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and urge the police force to look into this hate crime as swiftly as possible. I also enjoin them to ensure that more safety measures are in place for the protection of General Santos City residents.”
“Justice for Ren Tampus. May her soul rest in peace,” Yumang said. (Tristan Lozano)
