Minors shot; 2 injured, 1 critical

CEBU, Philippines - In yet another case of gang-related violence in the city, three alleged members of Bloods gang were injured after they were shot by members of rival Gang Crips while walking in Barangay Punta Princesa past 10 pm Monday.

The three victims, ages 15, 16, and 17, were brought to the Cebu City Medical Center, but the 16-year-old, a high school student, who was hit on his back and left chest had to be transferred to the Chong Hua Hospital because of his critical condition.

The 15-year-old was hit on his lower leg while the 17-year-old was hit on his right ankle. The two are now recuperating at CCMC.

Witnesses had it that the three victims were walking together with their friends when three unidentified young men on board a red motorcycle stopped near them. The driver reportedly asked them if they were members of Bloods while the other suspect riding in pillion pulled out his firearm and shot at them. The suspects sped away right after.

The victims’ group was heading home from the wake of a member of Bloods who was shot dawn last March 26 in sitio Arca, also in Barangay Punta Princesa.

Luie Louie Villanueva, barangay tanod, subsequently came to the rescue and assisted in calling for police assistance and in bringing the victims to the hospital.

Initial investigation revealed that an unconfirmed report pointed to one Jerrick Gabuya, a Crips gang member, as allegedly one of the suspects. – Niña G. Sumacot/JMO (THE FREEMAN)