Drive-by shooting again: Cops alarmed as 2 teens hurt

CEBU, Philippines - Two minors were hurt in another case of drive-by shooting early yesterday as police say they have the identities of the people involved.

The two most recent victims were waiting for a ride along the South Highway in Barangay Kinasang-an when fired upon by men on board a gray colored sedan.

The most recent case is the third to happen in Cebu City since February 4 where three were hurt.

Last Sunday, one died and two others were injured in three incidents. The latest victims were a 16-year-old boy from Sitio Tabucanal, Barangay Pardo and a 17-year-old from F. Jaca St., Barangay Inayawan.

 The victims said that they saw the car approaching them around 2:30 a.m. and then noticed that the rear window was opened and they saw a gun stick out.

Sending imminent danger, they ran for their lives, but still got hit.

The car-riding men fled towards Talisay City.

The 16-year-old victim was hit on his right knee and buttocks while the 17-year-old was hit on the right side of his head.

Both victims were rushed to Cebu City Medical Center. The two have been declared out of danger.

Nine empty caliber .45 shells were recovered at the crime scene.

Responding policemen were not able to catch the shooters.

Identified

City Intelligence Branch chief Romeo Santader told The FREEMAN they now have the names of the suspects and they have put them under surveillance.

“Nag paabot mi sa go signal for apprehension of the suspect,” (We’re waiting for the go signal…) he said.

 Initially, the assailants are believed to be a group of young men with grudges against gang members, he said.

This was after the police discovered that most of the victims are members of the Bloods or the Crips gangs.

Santander said they have coordinated with other police units in neighboring areas.

Impose curfew

Cebu City Police Office Director Melvin Ramon Buenafe has asked barangay officials, especially those at the southern part of the city, to implement a curfew for minors.

He said this precautionary measure is the best thing local officials can do while they are still hunting the assailants.  

“Ang ubang mga barangay mag patuman sa curfew kay naa may benefit, but ang problema, naay curfew dire sa pikas naa unya sa pikas wala,” (some barangays would implement the curfew since it has a benefit, but the problem is that while there is a curfew here in the next barangay there is none) he said.

According to him, the recent violent attacks involving minors is a “phenomenon” which can only be addressed through the help of the entire community. —/NLQ (FREEMAN)