Cops look into ‘shady’ past of victims in Pardo shooting

Authorities believe the killing of the two boys in barangay Pardo the other day might be related to the victims’ “shady activities” as former members of notorious gangs involved in several petty crimes in the city.

Cebu City Police Office Director Patrocinio Comendador said they have received information that Roel Batuto, 17, and John Rey Genosas, 14, have had “derogatory or shady activities” and this is reportedly an angle they are pursuing now.  Comendador, however, refuses to give further details on the development until such time that the investigation is finished.

“As of now we can’t speculate immediately that the shooting is gang related, we are also looking into their backgrounds because we have received information they have derogatory or shady activities,” Comendador said.

The two victims were on board a tricycle from barangay Basak when, upon reaching the corner of Sabellano St. in barangay Pardo, two motorcycle riding men blocked their way and shot them on the head. The gunmen then quickly fled the area.

Police said the gunmen used a .32 caliber pistol and a .45 caliber pistol, as proven by the empty shells found in the crime scene. Responding policemen was still able to rush Batuto to the Cebu City Medical Center but the victim was declared dead on arrival.

Starting the other night, additional policemen were detailed at the Pardo Police Station with the rising incidents of gang-related violence and petty crimes in the area.

At the city hall, Mayor Tomas Osmeña said members of fraternities or gangs need not worry if their fellow members have committed a crime because the police have been instructed to only run after the perpetrators and not the organizations themselves.

Osmeña yesterday reiterated that if it will be proven that the killing was fraternity-related, the city may offer a reward up to P50,000, if only to ensure that the killers will be put behind bars.

Osmeña also directed the police to intensify the conduct of mobile checkpoints on persons riding motorcycles because most of the suspects of criminal acts normally use the two-wheeled vehicle. — Edwin Ian B. Melecio and Rene U. Borromeo/JMO