Widower kills "best friend"

CEBU, Philippines - A widower shot his best friend dead in Sitio Purtobello, Barangay Southern Poblacion, San Francisco Camotes after a drinking session last Wednesday.

Joel Tampus, 41, of Sitio Can-insing of the said barangay, died of a gunshot wound in the chest. His best friend, Pablito Luceño, 59, shot him without any provocation. Tampus was declared dead on arrival at the Maningo District Hospital where he was brought by the police few minutes after he got shot.

Inspector Jonas Tahanlangit, San Francisco police chief, said the suspect and the victim came from a drinking session when the shooting happened at their favorite hangout. The police are still investigating the motive behind the killing.

Tahanlangit said they have yet to know the motive because the suspect does not cooperate in their investigation. Although, Tahanlangit said there are sufficient grounds to believe that Luceño has planned the killing of his best friend.

According to the police, Luceño did not leave his best friend after shooting him. He guarded the Tampus and prevented anybody who would want to help him until the police came and arrested him.

“Ang mga tawo nga gustong mutabang sa biktima babagan man (The people who would want to help the victim were prevented),” Tahanlangit said in a phone interview.

In fact, Luceño was just standing beside Tampus when the police arrived and arrested him.

The police failed to recover the firearm used in the shooting because it was allegedly thrown by the suspect. Asked why he shot his best friend, Luceño would only answer that he will face any charges.

Luceño is now detained at the San Francisco Police Station while criminal complaint is being prepared for filing against him.  (FREEMAN)