Frat man shot dead in Balamban

CEBU, Philippines - An alleged member of the Akhro fraternity was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds at a grassy area in Barangay Abucayan, Balamban, a few minutes before noon on Sunday.

Police identified the fatality as Jupil Catayas, 21, of the said barangay. He succumbed to gunshot wounds on his head, left leg and left portion of the body.

Three empty shells of a .357 magnum revolver were recovered from the crime scene along with two slugs of a .357 magnum revolver believed to be from the firearm used by the suspects and a talisman belt which was attached to a small bottle filled with coconut oil. SPO3 Arvie Banate, chief investigator of the Balamban Police Station, said revenge could be the possible motive of the killing since Catayas had been involved with several crimes. Banate disclosed that Catayas had a standing warrant of arrest for frustrated murder, murder and a homicide case.

“Sa murder, wa pa siya malutsi ug warrant unya ang homicide nga kaso, wala siya ma-file-li kay tungod sa financial nga rason sa complainant,” Banate said.

The chief investigator suspected that more than two persons were responsible for the crime and they will be inviting some personalities whose names he refused to disclose.

Somebody could have heard bursts of gunfire, but residents ignored it due to the New Year’s celebrations. After Catayas’ burial, his family will be presenting the police with personalities whom they suspected to have done the crime.

Banate however claimed they did not have any idea if Catayas was still an active member of the fraternity because of what happened.

“Ingon ani magnilabanay man gyud unta na sila pero ambot unsa iyang status,” Banate said.

He added that after an arrest warrant for frustrated murder was released against him, Catayas started staying at a secluded and wooded area of Balamban. (FREEMAN)