Man shot while trying to defend grandchildren from suspect

CEBU, Philippines – A man was shot while trying to help his grandchildren who were allegedly threatened by the suspect in Barangay Kandingan, Aloguinsan Sunday afternoon.

Rogelio Ignario, 64, who is a brother of a barangay councilman, was walking towards a waiting shed at 3 p.m. to help his grandchildren who were being threatened by Ambrosio Banusa, an allegedly ex-convict.

Ignario sustained a single gunshot wound to the thigh and was immediately brought to Aloguinsan District Hospital for treatment.

Police said the victim believed Banusa has a grudge against his family members.

PO1 Vincent Alcuesa of Aloguinsan Police Station disclosed that Ignario's grandchildren, mostly teenagers, were at the waiting shed along the road when Banusa appeared and threatened them.

"Ingon man kuno ning suspect nga 'kamo makig-pinusilay mo?' maong pwerteng hadluka sa mga apo," Alcuesa quoted the suspect as saying. Afraid, some of the youngsters allegedly left and went to the house of Ignario to seek help.

Upon knowing of the incident, Rogelio hurriedly went to the waiting shed to verify and assist his grandchildren but when he was approximately 30 meters away, the suspect suddenly fired at him.

Alcuesa said they have gathered reports that Banusa has just been released from the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa.

There are also reports that the suspect is a known criminal in Lapu-Lapu City who used to be a gun-for hire. But Alcuesa said they still have to verify the accounts of the residents.

"Kung tinuod man gud ni siyang criminal sa Lapu-Lapu, possibly ni-coordinate na unta ang taga-Lapu-Lapu but mao lagi subject for verification," he said.

Ignario was immediately brought to Aloguinsan District Hospital while his brother, barangay councilman Amamilito Ignario, went to the police station to report the incident. (FREEMAN)