Phone technicians shot dead

CEBU, Philippines - Two mobile phone technicians died after they were shot by unidentified men at the corner of Colon and corner Climaco Streets in Barangay Pahina-Central, Cebu City early yesterday morning.

Ernesto Estrera, 29, was declared dead on arrival at Cebu City Medical Center after he sustained multiple gunshot wounds in his body. His companion, unidentified as of yesterday, died instantly also of multiple gunshot wounds in his head and body.

Homicide investigator SPO1 Ruth Bongo-Violango, homicide investigator, said Estrera’s companion was already dead when police arrived at the scene. Paramedics said the man was unresponsive and had no vital signs.

Initial investigation revealed that both victims were just standing in Colon Street when the assailants arrived on board a motorcycle and shot them.

Violango said the unidentified victim still reportedly managed to run but was chased by the suspects to Climaco Street.

“Ang mga biktima kauban na nagbarog sa Colon, gipusil ang duha igo ang victim number 1 (Estrera) nidagan ang victim number 2 sa Climaco gisundan gipusil nahagba,” Violango said.

Crime Scene Investigation personnel recovered a replica of a pistol, two mobile phones, money remittance receipts, from Estrera’s bag that was at the crime scene. They also found 10 empty shells, three deformed shells and a deformed slug of an undetermined firearm.

Investigation is ongoing to determine the motive of the killing and identify the assailants, as well as know the background of the victims.  (FREEMAN)