Man shot to death while sleeping

CEBU, Philippines - Cornelio Cuizon, 66, went to have a drink at a friend’s house in Barangay Tubod, Asturias last June 27.

But he was no longer able to go back home in Barangay Langub, as he was shot twice while sleeping at the house of his friend, Antonio Claro, at around 11:20 p.m.

He was shot by Graciano Butantan, 72, a resident of Barangay Tubod.

In the initial investigation of the Asturias Police Station, Cuizon fell asleep at Claro’s house because he was drunk. Butantan arrived and shot him two times in the head with the use of a 38-caliber gun.

According to PO1 Josephus Montesclaros of the Asturias Police, they learned that Claro, the house owner and Butantan, the suspect, had a previous argument about land matters.

However, they are still clueless on why Cuizon was involved. Montesclaros theorized that the crime could have been a case of mistaken identity, as Cuizon was sleeping at Claro’s house.

Montesclaros added that Butantan will face a murder case.

Cuizon was immediately taken to the Provincial Hospital in Balamban but he died a few hours later.

SPO2 Florian Olarte Jr., PO2 Clifford Trazo, PO1 Ismael Modapil and Jose Nino Villaceran immediately looked for Butantan when they got information about shooting.

Butantan was arrested just near the crime scene. He is now detained at the Asturias Police Station.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident about five hours earlier, a 33-year-old man was stabbed to death by his brother-in-law in Barangay Looc Norte, also in Asturias.

Eugene Taotjo was stabbed in the stomach by Emelito Diotay, 24. The two were drinking when Taotjo accused Diotay of acting brave without nothing to show for it.

“Isug-isug way agi” was the words that reportedly angered Diotay, who got a knife, measuring at least 10 inches.

Taotjo died before reaching the Balamban Provincial Hospital. Diotay, on the other hand, was arrested by barangay tanod Pedrito Jumag.

Diotay is detained, while policemen are gathering statements from witnesses for the filing of a murder case against him. – Lorlaine Joy E. Olorvida and Mellanie Joy Rosales/JPM (THE FREEMAN)