Sibonga shooting claims son of councilman

CEBU, Philippines - A councilman’s son died and his two companions were hurt after they were shot by an assailant while playing the illegal gambling “hantak” in Sitio Riles, Barangay Poblacion, Sibonga early morning Saturday.

   The victims failed to notice the assailant who arrived on foot and repeatedly shot them past 3:00 a.m.

Mark Gomez, 30, of Sitio Balandia, Barangay Guiwanon, Argao, succumbed to gunshot wounds in the head which caused his immediate death.

Romuel Mueblas, 24, and Acxell Aguilar, 24, both from Barangay Poblacion, Sibonga, also suffered gunshot wounds in the head and in the body.

They were taken to the Isidro C. Kintanar Memorial Hospital and were later referred to a hospital in Cebu City for further medication.

Police are now pursuing illegal drugs as possible motive of the incident as Gomez was once involved in illegal drugs.

The family of Gomez also suspected that their son’s involvement in illegal drugs led to his death. Victoriano Gomez, Barangay Sumaguan councilor, said that it was last month when the victim argued with somebody and after a few queries he learned that the argument was about illegal drugs.

Clara, mother of Gomez, added that their son had undergone rehabilitation but they did not expect he would return to being drug dependent.

Gomez’s family subjected the body for an autopsy examination.

Initial investigation of the police revealed that the victims were with several bystanders and trisikad drivers playing illegal gambling when the assailant arrived and pulled out an undetermined caliber of firearm and shot Gomez thrice.

In the process, Aguilar and Mueblas were also hit as others scampered in different directions.

Police recovered three empty shells of a .45 pistol.

The team of SPO1 Dario Gabac are still investigating the case for possible identification of the gunman. — (FREEMAN)