Cop, 3 others hurt in separate shootings

CEBU, Philippines – Four people, including a policeman, were injured after they were shot separately by unidentified perpetrators in Cebu City and province during the weekend.

PO2 Larry Alcoma Fernandez of Compostela Police, who was detailed in Carmen to augment the latter's police force for the celebration of its fiesta, was shot by an unidentified snatcher whom he was pursuing at past 9 p.m. Saturday.

Fernandez was reportedly manning the traffic in Barangay Poblacion on the event of the town's fiesta when he heard a man shouted for help while chasing a man who allegedly snatched his cellular phone. The suspect reportedly passed in front of the policeman, prompting the latter to give chase.

But while running, the suspect allegedly pulled out a gun and shot Fernandez to his right thigh. The policeman continued chasing the suspect but later slumped to the ground because of the injury he sustained.

Some residents took the policeman to the hospital while the snatcher was able to flee successfully together with the loot.

Meanwhile, an 18-year-old boy was hit by a stray bullet while he was watching games at a peryahan in Carmen almost the same time the policeman was shot by the snatcher.

Jerome Enriquez sustained a gunshot wound to his shoulder and was taken to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center for treatment.

It was not known who the perpetrator was but a gun, a caliber .38 revolver, which was believed to have been used in the shooting, was found abandoned near the place.

In Villagonzalo II, Barangay Tejero, Cebu City, a woman was shot in her two legs at 6:30 in the morning.

The victim, Mia Cabonita, 37, a resident of the area, identified the assailant as certain "Bangkay," her neighbor.

Cabonita said that while she and her daughter were walking towards a 24-hour convenient store to buy a pair of slippers, the suspects suddenly approached them and without any reason, shot her to the left and right thigh. - Niña G. Sumacot and Nylpha G. Costelo, Palompon Institute of Technology Intern/WAB (FREEMAN)