1 dead, 1 critical in Ermita shooting

CEBU, Philippines - A teenager was killed while his cousin is in critical condition after they were repeatedly shot by a man in Barangay Ermita shortly before midnight yesterday.

Nicasio Manabat Villarmina, 18, succumbed to three gunshot wounds on his body while his cousin, Ronnel Manabat Arguedo, 22, who was believed to be the target, is fighting for his life from the two gunshot wounds.

Both were reportedly shot by Gali Secretaria, of sitio Ermita Proper, who is allegedly having a love affair with Arguedo’s live-in partner.

 PO3 Geoffrey Gutual of the Homicide Section narrated that the victims were having a drinking session along F. Escaño Street when the suspect who was driving a motorcycle stopped in front of them.

Secretaria reportedly shot them several times before fleeing, leaving behind his motorcycle at the nearby sitio Ermita Beach.

 Villarmina was hit thrice on the right side of his body while Arguedo was hit twice on the same side.

 Responding barangay tanods rushed the victims to the Cebu City Medical Center where the younger victim was declared dead on arrival.

 Apart from the motorcycle, policemen recovered five empty shells of caliber .45 pistol and a slug from the crime scene.

Initial investigation revealed the victims’ neighbors claims that the suspect is having an affair with Arguedo’s live-in partner. This is believed to be the suspect’s motive in shooting Arguedo. Villarmina was unfortunately dragged into the incident.

 The allegation, according to Gutual, was vehemently denied by the live-in partner.

 Gutual said they made Arguedo sign an ante-mortem statement that it was the suspect whom he saw shooting at them. — (FREEMAN)