Cops to file murder charge vs. boy, 15

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Police Office will file today a murder charge against a 15-year-old boy reportedly a member of Bloods gang who allegedly shot another minor dead in barangay Cogon-Ramos last Tuesday.

The minor suspect voluntarily surrendered to the police after a witness identified him as the one who shot the victim.

A newspaper report said it was a certain Jonas Ritualla, a companion of the boy, who allegedly shot and killed the victim.

In that report last Wednesday, the victim’s companion accused Ritualla, allegedly a hitman of Bloods gang, as the one who shot the 14-year-old dead past 2 a.m. that day.

Investigation showed that the victim, allegedly a member of Crips gang, was walking home with his friends when they passed by the group of Ritualla, who were sitting by the road.

Ritualla’s group suddenly chased them and he then allegedly pulled out a gun and fired at the victim, hitting him in the left armpit and heart.

After hearing the news report, Ritualla sought for his sister’s assistance and went to CCPO Homicide Section to deny the allegations. 

A certain Podarto Olofernes went to their house and alleged that he witnessed the incident. Olofernes said the suspect was not Ritualla but a certain “Intsik.”

After receiving the information, the police then went to the minor suspect’s house along R. Landon Street where the boy voluntarily surrendered to them.

Although the murder charge will be filed against him, the suspect will be temporarily in the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development since he is a minor. — Niña G. Sumacot/LPM   (THE FREEMAN)