4 shot, suspect dead

CEBU, Philippines - Four men were injured in a shooting incident in Sitio Himatogan, Barangay General Climaco, Toledo City early dawn yesterday, but the suspect was found dead 12 hours later.

The four men were identified as Jonathan Abadinas, 31, who suffered gunshot wounds on his back and left shoulder; Diosdado Abadinas, 49, a tanod, who suffered a wound on his left shoulder; Revee Abadinas, 29, who sustained a gunshot wound to his left wrist; and Jonire Abadinas, 22, who was hit on the head.

Jonathan and Diosdado had to be taken to a hospital in Cebu City for further treatment.

Investigation revealed that the four were attending a benefit dance in the barangay when the suspect, Jonic Secretaria, a resident of Barangay Gaas, Balamban arrived and shot them.

Those attending the dance scampered to safety, as Secretaria fled on foot.

PO2 Henry Acosta of the Toledo City Police said they were investigating the incident at the crime scene 12 hours later when they received a call from a concerned citizen who informed them that a man was found dead near the river.

The body was later identified as that of Secretaria’s, as confirmed by his mother.

Acosta said the body had severe head injuries, which could have caused Secretaria’s instantaneous death.

“Sa akong tan-aw mura ug gidakdakan ug bato ang ulo,” Acosta said in a phone interview.

A witness said someone saw a relative of one of the shooting victims coming from the river bank.

“Pagpanimalos ra gyud akong suspetsa ani pero padayon ang imbestigasyon namo ron,” Acosta said.

The body is subjected to an autopsy to determine the real cause of death.  (FREEMAN)