1 dead, 2 injured in Ronda ambush

CEBU - For the third time this month, civilians were ambushed by unidentified men in the Western town of Ronda.

The latest incident happened in barangay Lower Langin past 5 p.m. last Saturday when the three victims were walking from a village fiesta.

Investigation revealed that the assailants fired at the victims when they were at a narrow alley.

One of the victims, Ricardo Panto alias “Ricky,” 28, died on the spot after four bullets hit his head. Another bullet pierced his back and existed through his chest.

His companions, Nicanor Niez, 26, and Juan Estiloso alias “Lito,” were hit in the chest and foot respectively. Both survived.

The three victims are residents of barangay Cambanog in the neighboring town of Dumanjug.

PO1 Benedicto Rubia of the Ronda police said it is very possible that Panto was the only target of the ambush considering the number of wounds he sustained compared to Niez and Estiloso. He also said there could be more than one suspect.

Police recovered two live ammunition of a 7.62 millimeter M-14 caliber rifle, three slugs of carbine, four slugs of caliber .45, and three slugs of 9mm pistol from the crime scene.

Authorities are now waiting for Niez to recover so they could continue the investigation. — Christopher Gabriel Bonjoc/JMO(THE FREEMAN)