Two critical in Toledo shooting

CEBU, Philippines – A commotion at a bar along D. Macapagal Highway in Poblacion, Toledo City dawn yesterday ended with three men injured, two of whom are in critical condition.

Initial investigation revealed that a certain Cedric Sumampong, 24, a resident of Ronda, Cebu was shot by a certain Ali Salvatona and was mauled thereafter by one Carlo Bocanegra and some companions outside the Altheas Disco Bar.

Sumampong sustained injuries and a gunshot wound on his pelvic area.

PO3 Lorenzo Gutang of the Toledo Police who happened to pass by the area and witness the incident tried to arrest the suspects, but the perpetrators managed to flee after exchanging fire with the establishment’s security guard, Rodrigo Senonas.

Moments later, however, Bocanegra returned to the area and fired shots at Senonas. Gutang tried to pacify the suspect and asked that he surrender, but Bocanegra also aimed shots at the policeman. Gutang, however, found a chance to arrest Bocanegra when the latter’s gun misfired.

Responding police officers recovered a caliber .38 snubnose revolver loaded with two live ammunitions and two spent shells from Bocanegra.

Sumampong and Bocanegra were brought to Toledo City District Hospital, but were subsequently transferred to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center. They were still in critical condition as of yesterday. 

Police also found that a 19-year-old man identified as Ramil Traya was also hit by a stray bullet on his right forearm. He was brought to the Toledo City District Hospital and is now out of danger.

Police are still conducting follow-up investigation on the incident for the possible arrest of Salvatona and Senonas who also fled away after the incident. (FREEMAN)