The murder of an enterprising sand supplier in the province was the handiwork of a gun-for-hire ending his profitable business which skyrocketed during the past three years in operation.

City Police chief, Senior Inspector Nicomedes Olaivar told the Chronicle the murder was basically business related as the victim has been extensively closing big-time deals by the millions on his supply of sand to several construction firms, including his exclusive contract for the housing projects of thousands of earthquake victims here.

He said reports are being verified on the identity of the suspect on the murder of Paulino P. Butal, Jr. who was shot dead in broad daylight while he was conversing his wife, Christine and two employees at their newly acquired stock yard near PMI Colleges-Bohol campus in barangay Taloto, this city shortly before 4:00pm last Nov. 8.

The 39-year old slain businessman was reportedly the lone sand supplier to the on-going housing project of earthquake victims under an international foundation. Few weeks before the murder, Butal was able to bring in barges of sand from lahar stricken Pampanga which price was lower than the sand hauled by other suppliers based in Leyte and Negros provinces.

Investigators noted that the victim left some financial obligations to some of his suppliers outside the province while business rivalry was not ruled out considering that other sand suppliers from Leyte, Negros and Bohol were affected by his cheap sand from Pampanga.

People in the construction industry described Butal as aggressive as a businessman while he doubles as lay preacher of a Christian church as he always invokes Christ in his conversation with his clients and business associates. In fact, Butal is a known benefactor of some non-Catholic churches in the towns

Verification made by the Chronicle revealed that Butal has been asking for security support due to several death threats. In fact, he acquired a bullet proof Land Cruiser and bought another brand new Land Cruiser while his business continued to prosper. Butal was always seen with closed in security guards.

Ironically, he was shot while at his comfort zone, right at the entrance of his stock yard near PMI Colleges camp along Tomas Cloma Ave., in Taloto district, this city.

The hired gunman pumped 8 rounds of bullets in his body, hitting even his head, while authorities from TaRSIER 117 pronounced him dead even before arriving at the hospital.

The investigation is in progress even as police is hopeful to arrest the suspects.