Buot shootings suspect says sorry

CEBU, Philippines - The suspect who was tagged in the killing of three men and the injury of a minor in Sitio Lawud, Barangay Buot, Cebu City last Monday said he regretted committing the crime.

Gerardo "Larry" Tangayan, 46; and brothers Jeffrey Cabucayan, 23, and Jerome Cabucayan, 19, died after they suffered gunshot wounds in different parts of their body while Rejel, Tangayan's 16-year-old daughter, was also injured after a bullet grazed her stomach.

They were shot by Renato Cabradilla, who initially fled after the shooting incident but surrendered to the authorities less than 12 hours later.

Cabradilla already asked for forgiveness from the families of the victims, saying he had already regretted what he had done. The suspect, who initially showed no remorse over what he did, said he is willing to face the charges to be filed against him.

Cabradilla clarified that he did not deliberately shoot Rejel who only got shot since she tried to protect her father.

He also defended his brother, Junrey, who he said was not part of the crime. Junrey was brought to CCPO last Tuesday together with Cabradilla.

"Wa'y labot akong igsoon. Nganong giapil man siya og dala diri? Mailhan man na ba human sa paraffin test," Cabradilla said, adding that he was all by himself when he shot the victims.

Junrey said he was in his house when he heard bursts of gunfire at the time of the shooting. He reportedly hid for fear he might be also shot.

Cebu City Police Office City Intelligence Branch chief Superintendent Romeo Santander said as of press time yesterday, there was no witness yet who appeared to link Junrey to the crime.

Santander clarified that Junrey was brought to detention while waiting for witnesses to show up. He will then be released if there would be no testimonies on his supposed particiaption.

Cebu City Public Safety Company chief Superintendent Melbert Glade Esguerra already asked to increase the police presence near the crime scene as there might be a possibility of revenge from the victims' camp.

"Naa unya'y bawos-bawos. Malikayan na ug mapugngan ang di angay mahitabo," Santander said.

Meanwhile, Santander assured that they will extend financial assistance for the medical check-up of Cabradilla to identify his illness.

"For human consideration, we will be helping him kon magpa-check up siya sa iyang sakit and everything will be provided for him aron matubag iyang pagduda if nahiloan ba gyud siya," Santander said.

Cabradilla earlier admitted that he allegedly committed the crime because he believed he is already dying since he has been suffering from a mysterious illness. Quack doctors had reportedly told him he may have been a victim of barang (sorcery), laygay (gradual poisoning), or gipatakdan (infected).

Cabradilla, Jeffrey and Jerome went to Maslog, Danao City several weeks ago during a fiesta celebration. The suspect said they reportedly took the food offered by one of the families they sang Christmas carols to.

Cabradilla then alleged he became ill after the three of them ate the rice and chicken given to them. He later suspected that he got poisoned with the food.

Santander said they will continue submitting the needed affidavits and filing charges for attempted murder and three counts of murder against the suspect. — Grace Melanie I. Lacamiento (FREEMAN)