Barangay worker shot dead

CEBU, Philippines — An employee of Barangay Mambaling was shot dead by still unidentified gunman Monday noon in Sitio Micabaja, Barangay Duljo-Fatima, Cebu City.

Police identified the victim as Edward Abayan, 44, administrative office of Barangay Mambaling and a resident of Sitio Puntod, Alaska, Mambaling.

Police Major Efren Diaz Jr., Police Station 11 chief, said the victim was eating at a carenderia when the unidentified assailant shot him in the head. According to the witnesses, the gunman was wearing a long sleeve, a hat, and was wearing a mask.

Police are now looking at all possible angles to determine the motive in the killing.

Meanwhile, an 18-year-old man was injured after he was allegedly shot by his friend at Sitio White Road, Barangay Inayawan, Cebu City Monday dawn. The victim was identified as Joseph Balansag while the suspect was his friend, Jason Alfuro.

Initial investigation showed that the suspect allegedly got irked after the victim did not pay the illegal drugs he took from him.

Police Major Jiceree Basitao, Police Station 7 chief, said the victim was walking on his way home when he got shot to the neck. Despite being injured, Balansag was able run and ask help from his family while the suspect immediately fled.

Balansag was rushed to the hospital where he is currently recuperating. A hot pursuit operation has been launched by the police against the suspect, who is said to be a known drug peddler. — (FREEMAN)