Man seeks revenge, but dies instead

CEBU, Philippines - A man who was bent on avenging his father’s death was also shot dead right after prayers for the 40th day of his father’s passing.

Josephus Barrios, 26, was shot dead by an unidentified person Sunday morning in Sitio Sacsac, Barangay Abucayan, Balamban.

Police are still investigating the circumstances that led to the death of Barrios who went to the house of Jophel Catayas, 21, to avenge the death of his father, Jose Barrios.

Jose was allegedly shot dead by Catayas last September due to a personal grudge.

But it was Josephus’ desire for revenge that cost him his life after he succumbed to a gunshot wound on his chest.

SPO3 Arvie Banate, Balamban police investigator, said that just as the prayer was done a few minutes before midday, Josephus prepared an improvised shotgun which is locally known as “pugakhang” and a scythe.

He was accompanied by his friends towards Catayas’ house but before he could reach the residence, Jophel who was already armed with a .38 revolver, hurriedly ran outside the house and headed off to a grassy area.

A brief chase ensued followed by a gunshot. A few minutes later, Josephus collapsed to the ground while Jophel fled on foot.

Police recovered the scythe, the improvised shotgun and the .38 revolver, fully loaded with six ammunitions allegedly owned by Jophel. Banate said that they are yet to ascertain if it was really Jophel who shot Josephus dead since the revolver was still fully-loaded and there was no empty shell or slug recovered.

“Iya sa suspect ang armas pero wala kuhai ang bala possible dili siya ang nakaigo sa biktima,” Banate said.

Police are still to invite again the victim’s companions for further questioning.

Banate added that Jophel has a pending warrant of arrest for attempted murder and the murder case was already filed at the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office while Josephus also had a pending warrant of arrest for homicide. (FREEMAN)