2 killed in Danao shootings

CEBU – The entry of 2009 saw two deaths in Danao City, as two residents there became victims of separate shootings early dawn yesterday and late evening last Thursday.

Security guard Armino Lavador Gica, 32, no longer saw the light of day as a still unidentified assailant silently broke into house past 1a.m. yesterday and shot him on the forehead while he was asleep.

Investigation revealed that Gica’s house is still undergoing construction and the gunman entered a window that is yet to be fully installed. The gunman reportedly used a .45 caliber pistol on the victim.

SPO1 Glen Manulat of the Danao City police said they have made eight men undergo paraffin test, considering that several of Gica’s neighbors in barangay Pangdan Campanay reportedly have an ax to grind against him.

In fact, Gica reportedly figured in an argument with one neighbor the day before he was shot.

The incident last Thursday happened in Barangay Poblacion where two men shot to death a 17-year-old out-of-school youth while he was walking along Ralota Street.

The victim was identified as Elvin Kevin Lao Gomez while the assailants were identified by witnesses as Roel Nuñez and Ian Laurel. All three are residents of barangay Looc in Danao City.

Investigator SPO2 Ramir Oliverio said Gomez was walking along the road when the suspects suddenly appeared and shot him in the chest. Gomez was rushed to the Danao City District Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

A hot pursuit operation is underway for the arrest of Nuñez and Laurel. — Christopher Gabriel Bonjoc/JMO (THE FREEMAN)