PNP recruit shoots man in Dalaguete

A new police recruit, who is under field training program prior to his official duty, allegedly shot a man who was watching a basketball game in Poblacion, Dalaguete town Monday evening.

PO1 Vesper John Montenegro, 21, single, was accused of shooting Lavernie Villanueva, a resident of the place, inside the sports complex of the town.

Montenegro was assigned at the Talisay City Police Station for his field training, which started April 15. PO2 Brenda Espina, assistant administrative officer of the Talisay City police, said that Montenegro's training would last up to six months.

Montenegro voluntarily surrendered only yesterday morning and is now under custody of Talisay City Police Station where he turned over his issued .45 caliber pistol and a hunting knife.

SPO2 Francisco Leornas of the Dalaguete Police Station told The Freeman that they are preparing a frustrated murder case against Montenegro while waiting for the victim to be discharged from the hospital.

Investigation conducted by the Dalaguete police said that while Villanueva was sitting on a wooden bench inside the Dalaguete Sports Complex watching a basketball game, Montenegro approached from behind and shot him without any apparent reason.

The victim was hit in his back while Montenegro fled immediately after the incident.

Villanueva was rushed to Julio Cardinal Rosales Memorial Hospital in Dalaguete but was later transferred to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City. - Gregg M. Rubio