2 killed, 1 injured in shooting incident

CEBU, Philippines – Two men were killed while another was injured after three men opened fire at them in Villagonzalo 2, Barangay Tejero past 3am yesterday.

Christopher Pundar alias Molong, 25, and a man identified only as “Jimmy” or “Jimmy Libat,” both residents of Barangay Lahug, died on the spot. Pundar’s cousin, Rolando Niñal, 20, sustained a gunshot wound on his shoulder.

Niñal told police he and Pundar were walking in Sitio Sampaguita to claim his cellphone from a pawnshop when the three assailants met them on the road and fired at them, hitting him on his left arm and Pundar on the shoulder.

They ran away to evade, but Pundar was hit on the shoulder and slumped to the ground. Niñal continued running and hid at a dark portion of the area. He eventually managed to flag a taxi along M.J. Cuenco Avenue and proceeded to the Fuente Police Station where he sought for help.

Niñal said the assailants appeared to be between 19 to 22 years old and wore silver necklaces.

Niñal was taken to the Cebu City Medical Center for treatment while policemen tried to locate the perpetrators.

Niñal said he would not know the motive behind the attack. He also said he did not notice the other victim, Jimmy, near them when the suspects opened fire.

Tattoo marks such as “Jorie Cañete and Delio Betcher” were found on Jimmy’s body.

PO3 Geoffrey Gutual of the Homicide Section said it is possible that the incident was gang-related. The victims are being subjected to a background check for authorities to find clues that may lead to uncovering the motive of the shooting.

Police recovered seven empty shells of a caliber .45 pistol, four deformed slugs and a deformed ammunition metal jacket from the crime scene.

Police also recovered four lighters and a black pen sealed inside a plastic container from Cañete while a cellphone, hunting knife, keys, and a face towel were recovered from Pundar. (FREEMAN)