Two men shot dead by strangers

CEBU, Philippines - A man was shot dead by unidentified men at E. Sabellano St., Barangay Pardo, Cebu City, during a brawl last Sunday evening.

The victim was identified as Roman Alquizalas, 32, of Upper Lusimba, Barangay Pardo.

His elder brother Eduardo, 35, said Roman was walking with two of his friends to Sitio Badiang of the said barangay when they encountered a second group of men who suddenly challenged them without any reason.

Roman reportedly tried to pacify the group but later got irked when the group ignored him.

The confrontation later led to a heated argument between the two groups and then escalated into an all-out brawl.

In the middle of the rumble, one of the men in the second group reportedly pulled out a gun and shot Roman several times. Roman dropped to the ground bloodied while his attackers immediately fled on foot.

The victim was rushed to the Cebu City Medical Center by his friends but he was declared already dead by the attending physician.

Responding police investigators recovered three empty shells believed to be from a .45 cal. pistol from the crime scene. 

Meanwhile, another man was gunned down by an unidentified assailant in an alley in Sitio Santo Niño, Barangay Quiot, Cebu City, also last Sunday evening.

Arnold “Anot” Batuto, 40, of View Hills Barangay Quiot, was found sprawled in an alley with multiple gunshot wounds around 10:30 p.m.

Investigators said that the victim went to the place to visit his girlfiend Ran Sumalinog, 20.

Upon arriving at Sumalinog’s house, Mercy Lliore, 26, Sumalinog’s cousin, told him that his girlfriend was not around. Batuto then took his leave. The next time they saw him he was already sprawled dead in the alley. 

According to residents, they heard several gunshots before Batuto’s dead body was discovered.

The police are still investigating as to what led to the shooting. 

A .357 cal. revolver with six live rounds was recovered from the body of the victim who worked as a security guard. Four deformed slugs and six empty .45 cal. shells were also found at the scene.

His body was brought to St. Francis Funeral Homes.    - (THE FREEMAN)