2 killed in separate shooting incidents in Cebu City

CEBU, Philippines — Two men were shot in separate incidents in different barangays in Cebu City yesterday, August 2, 2024.

The first shooting occurred in Sitio Daclan, Barangay Tejero, Cebu City, around 2:30 a.m.

Ramie Jimm Gabato Villaruz aka“Longlong,” 37, and a resident of Sitio Basak Blessed in Barangay Tejero, was shot multiple times and killed by the suspect, who has not yet been identified by the police pending his arrest.

Authorities from Waterfront Police Station reported that the shooting incident stemmed from a heated argument between Villacruz and the suspect over a woman. The gunman reportedly had a relationship with Villacruz' live-in partner, which led to the fatal confrontation.

Villacruz sustained a gunshot wound to his left chest, two gunshot wounds to his left knee, two more to his left leg, and an additional wound to his left hand.

Scene of the Crime Operatives found four .45 caliber shell casings near the crime scene and a live .45 caliber round approximately 20 meters away.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Janette Rafter, spokesperson for the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), said both the victim and the suspect were former convicts who had previously been held at the Cebu City Jail on charges related to Republic Act 9287 or Illegal Number Games and Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Villacruz was released earlier this year, while the suspect was released in 2023.

As of this writing, police are conducting a hot-pursuit operation to apprehend the suspect, who has evaded arrest.

Meanwhile, at approximately 3:48 a.m. on the same day, a senior citizen was shot dead in Barangay Mambaling by two unidentified gunmen.

The victim was identified as Victor Agillon, 67, married, and a resident in the area.

Eyewitnesses reported that the two gunmen were initially dressed in white t-shirts and shorts, but changed into black jackets as they left and headed toward the sea wall in Barangay Duljo Fatima, Cebu City.

Agillon sustained multiple gunshots on his chest and different parts of his body.

Rafter indicated that the case might be drug-related, and authorities are currently conducting a hot-pursuit operation. She also noted that these shooting incidents in Cebu City share a common link to drug activities.

“Kani man gud atong shooting dili ta makaingon nga bisag kinsa lang ang atong biktima considering nga kana bitaw atong involve, magkaila ragud na sila. Then unfortunately ang isa ka reason jud nganong nag connect na sila is the illegal drugs, mao na ilang common denominator,” said Rafter.

Rafter urged the suspects to surrender to local authorities and cooperate with law enforcement. She is also calling on anyone with information about their whereabouts to come forward. (CEBU NEWS)