Girl, 12, hit by stray bullet

CEBU, Philippines - A 12-year-old girl was wounded in the thigh during a shooting incident involving her two neighbors who were arguing over a debt.

Angel Pacquiao was doing an errand for her father when her neighbor, Joseph Oliamot, opened fire during an altercation at a store with Sonny Reyes, 25.

The incident happened last Tuesday evening in Sitio Sun-ok, Barangay Ibabao, Cordova.

Pacquiao was rushed to the Lapu-Lapu City Hospital and later transferred to the Don Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City for further medication.

Oliamot, the suspect, is a native of Barangay Panugnawan, Medellin and temporarily lives in Cordova. He fled right after the incident.

PO3 Melissa Tampus, Women and Children’s Protection Desk officer of the Cordova Police Station, said Pacquiao was heading to a store a few meters away from their house to buy something at around 7:00 p.m.

Oliamot and Reyes were arguing over Oliamot’s alleged failure to pay Reyes. Tampus said she has yet to get details about the argument that triggered the shooting.

It was Oliamot who suddenly pulled out an undetermined caliber of firearm tucked in his waist. He fired but hit Pacquiao instead.

Police are now doing a background check on Oliamot who was reportedly jobless but was able to rent a room for about four to six months now.

A case is now being prepared against Oliamot, who is now subjected of a manhunt operation.  (FREEMAN)