Stray bullet suspect charged in court

CEBU, Philippines - A criminal case for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide was filed yesterday against a man who indiscriminately fired his air gun killing a one-year-old girl with a stray bullet in Upper Lipata, Minglanilla last Sunday.

Assistant provincial prosecutor Jerome Abarca immediately elevated the case in court after Candilario Cañeda, 34, waived his right to avail of a preliminary investigation and opted to answer the charges directly at the Regional Trial Court.

Cañeda was tagged by witness Francisco Villordon as the one responsible in the death of Charise Opsima.

Cañeda reportedly fired his air gun at 6:00 a.m. Sunday hitting the child with the stray bullet in the head. Although there were discrepancies in the evidence gathered compared to that of the testimony of the witness, the police pushed through with the filing of the case.

Cebu Provincial Police Office director Sr. Supt. Patrocinio Comendador said they filed the case based on circumstantial evidence. According to Comendador, the discrepancies should be left for the court’s appreciation.

“The witness executed his affidavit so we filed the case,” Comendador said.   The victim’s father, Christian, said he is struggling to move on as he is haunted by the memories of his daughter.

“Lisod gyud kaayo…sakit gyud… (It’s very difficult… It’s really painful)” Christian said while holding back his tears.

Charise was the first born to the Opsima couple. The father said he will never forget how his daughter used to call him while he is heading to work.

“Mingawon gyud ko inig tawag niya ug ‘papa’ (I miss her calling me papa),” he said.

—(FREEMAN)