1 killed, two wounded in Argao town strafing

CEBU, Philippines — A 36-year-old man was killed and two others were wounded after unidentified armed men opened fire on a house in Purok Tambis, Barangay Capioan, Argao, Cebu, at around 9:25 p.m. on Tuesday, June 30.

The fatality was identified as Rocky Bernabe Celada, while the injured individuals were Edsel Arroyo Campaner and Anselmo Canitan.

Anderson Padillo, 37, who was also inside the house during the attack, managed to escape without injuries. All four are residents of Purok Tambis, Barangay Capioan.

Initial investigation by the Argao Municipal Police Station revealed that the four men were inside the living room of Celada’s house when the attack occurred. At the time, Campaner was tattooing Celada.

Police said the suspects arrived onboard a dark gray or black vehicle and a motorcycle. The assailants stopped along the roadside before suddenly opening fire several times at the victims inside the house. After the shooting, the suspects fled toward an unknown direction.

Celada sustained multiple gunshot wounds in different parts of his body and was declared dead at the scene. Campaner and Canitan also suffered gunshot wounds and were immediately taken to the Isidro Kintanar Memorial Hospital for medical treatment.

Padillo, meanwhile, managed to run for safety and escaped the attack unharmed.

At around 9:50 p.m., the Argao Municipal Police Station received a report regarding the incident. Responding police officers immediately proceeded to the scene and conducted an initial investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack.

The Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) was also coordinated to process the crime scene and recover possible pieces of evidence that may help identify those behind the shooting.

Police have yet to identify the suspects or establish a motive for the attack. The Argao Municipal Police Station said a follow-up investigation is ongoing to determine the identities of the perpetrators and build a case against those responsible. — /MRM (FREEMAN)