Frustrated homicide eyed for priest, who shot student

CEBU, Philippines - Reckless imprudence resulting to frustrated homicide are set to be filed against a priest for shooting a 19-year-old student who was caught climbing a mango tree inside a church compound on Wednesday noon, although an unsigned agreement to settle the issue has also been prepared by both parties.

Parish priest Fr. Jonathan Lao pleaded to the family of Mark Robert Ymbong, a resident of Barangay Guinsay, Danao City, for a settlement by offering to shoulder all hospital bills of the latter.Lao also promised to spend for the educational expenses of Ymbong, from third year until he graduates college.

Parents of the victim are in a dilemma whether or not to file a case against the priest, but the sister of the victim is eager to pursue the filing.

Michelle said that what happened was not an accident as told by her brother.She said she will process the documents needed especially the medical certificate to be attached to the affidavit.

Lao, chaplain of the Colegio de San Antonio de Padua fired his air gun and hit Ymbong who was caught on a branch of the mango tree at noon.

Lao allegedly fired a warning shot to scare the student but hit him instead.

Chief Inspector Eddie Recamara, chief of Danao Police City police said that Lao caught Ymbong stealing fruits prompting him to fire his air gun that hit Ymbong in the left side of his chest.

Lao insisted that he did not intend to hit Ymbong but only to scare him so he would climb down from the tree.

Danao investigator Allan Muñoz told The FREEMAN over the phone that Lao failed to present a permit to carry the air gun, although the air gun is not necessary to be licensed.

“Ang air gun dili ingon nga pistola, anyone can have it and it is not under the Firearm Explosives Security Service Agency and Guards Supervisory (FESSAGS),” Muñoz said.

Ymbong is now confined in Perpetual Soccour Hospital.He is in no danger but may undergo an operation since the bullet is still embedded in his chest.

In a report over GMA-7, Msgr. Achilles Dakay, spokesman of the Archdiocese of Cebu said that they will wait for the investigation conducted by the police before they will conduct an action regarding the incident.

“Lao should answer the accusations thrown to him,” Dakay said, adding that Lao will remain as chaplain.

Auxiliary bishop Emilio “Boy” Bataclan also wants the Danao police to investigate the incident.

“I trust the policemen in investigating what really happened,” Bataclan said.

Lao was still detained at the Danao police stockade as of yesterday.(FREEMAN)