Two men bludgeoned to death

CEBU, Philippines - An 18-year-old student died after he was bludgeoned with a piece of wood by his classmate inside their classroom in the Can-asujan National High School barangay Can-asujan, Carcar town, yesterday morning, while another man was struck dead with a rock in barangay San Roque, Cebu City.

John Carlo Lumba, a 4th year high school student and a resident of the said place, suffered major injuries to the head after he was hit by his 15-year-old classmate.

An investigation by SPO1 Socrates Familgan of the Carcar police revealed that around 8:40 a.m. that day victim went around collecting P10 pesos from the members of their dance group so they can have enough money to burn a CD with dance music for their practices.

The suspect got mad when he was included in the collection and the two had an argument that later seemed to have been settled without any trouble.

But around 9:45 a.m., while the victim was napping inside their classroom, the minor approached and clubbed him with a piece of wood measuring 2x2.

The victim was brought to Carcar district hospital but was declared dead on arrival due to major head injuries.

However, the minor and his mother surrendered to the Carcar police around 2 p.m. that same day.

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund an estimated 4,000 children were imprisoned at the end of 2005, most of them charged with minor crimes. Under the new legislation, children under the age of 15 cannot be charged with a crime. For 15 to 18-year-old juveniles, diversion away from court is the preferred method for responding to crimes that carry a possible sentence of six years or less.

Jessica Endangan, the teacher-in-charge of the victim and suspect said that she was not there when the incident happened because it was recess time. She was just shocked when her other students informed her about the incident.

She added that both victim and suspect do not have any problems in school and they were even good of friends.

However, PO1 Alex Buanghog of Carcar police said that it is possible that victim and suspect already had a history of trouble and the latest incident was just another story.

Meanwhile, a man was found dead with severe head injuries around 2 a.m. yesterday along Legaspi St., barangay San Roque, Cebu City.

The victim was only identified as a certain “Eric”, 35, about 5’2 tall, jobless, and temporarily residing in the said place.

Police investigation showed that the victim was sleeping by the side of the road when someone struck his head with a rock. The assailant, who was described as wearing a black shirt and denim pants, then ran towards Lapu-Lapu St.

Responding personnel from Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation rushed to the scene but the victim was beyond help.

The cadaver was then taken to St. Francis Funeral Homes for autopsy. – Christopher C. Bonjoc and Niña G. Sumacot/BRP   (THE FREEMAN)