2 dead,1 critical

CEBU, Philippines - Two men died while another one was seriously hurt in a shooting incident sparked by an argument over a cockfight Wednesday in Barangay Sibacan, Danao City.

The fatalities were identified as Joselito Bacang, 39, and Ederlito Batucan, 30, and the injured was Batucan’s father, Abundio, 57.

Police Officer 2 Ronald Gomez of Danao City Police station, based on the investigation, said Bacang could not agree with the Batucans on their gambling bet.

The three reportedly watched a cockfight in Barangay Sibacan, which was celebrating its annual fiesta celebration.  At the height of the argument, Bacang allegedly pulled out a gun and shot Abundio to the head and Ederlito to the stomach and chest.

Raingie and Cornelito Batucan, two other sons of Abundio, saw what happened and shot Bacang several times.

Bacang sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his body and was brought to Cebu Provincial Hospital in Danao City where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Ederlito died a few hours after he was brought at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City while Abundio is still in critical condition.

Hot pursuit operation is underway to arrest Cornelito and Raingie who both fled after the incident. — (FREEMAN)