2 men shot dead in separate incidents

CEBU, Philippines - Two people died of separate shooting incidents in Cebu City over the weekend.

Warehouseman Ronald Espina, 45, and Henry Bacalso, 38, were shot in Ermita and Pasil, respectively.

Espina, resident of Barangay San Roque, was in Ermita last Sunday evening together with his wife to buy vegetables when Fernando Cuervo, 36 and Anthony Cabarrubias of legal age allegedly mauled and shot him dead.

 Espina had just arrived at the market when Cuervo suddenly appeared and put his arm around the victim’s shoulder saying, “Ikaw diay ni bay? Kayasa nimo bay, uy.”

The victim resisted and was able to free himself but the suspect slapped the victim’s face. At this juncture, Cabarrubias shot the victim on his right temple.

Responding policemen from Carbon Police Station conducted a hot pursuit operation and was able to arrest Cuervo. Cabarrubias remained at large.

PO3 Ruth Violango of the Homicide Section said it appeared that the suspects, who were apparently drunk, just carried out the crime for thrill.

“Paregla ra. Wa sila kaila atong biktima. Na-timingan lang jud to siya,” Violango said.

Meanwhile, Bacalso was shot dead by Melvir Capilitan, 25, at 2:00 p.m. last Sunday in Barangay Pasil.

Violango said they suspect illegal drugs as possible motive behind the incident.

“Nagbag-o na man daw ning biktima. Salbahis man daw ni sa una, daghang bisyo like drugs, ingon ana,” the police officer said. (FREEMAN)