Boy, 15, hurt after being shot by guard

CEBU, Philippines - A 15-year-old boy was injured after he was shot by a security guard early yesterday dawn in Barangay Kamputhaw, Cebu City.

Victim John Mar Barbechu, a Grade 9 student and resident of Moalboal town, landed at the hospital for a gunshot wound to his armpit while suspect Joel Coranes, 24, was arrested.

The teen was reportedly strolling with his friends along Acacia Street in Barangay Kamputhaw around 1 a.m. when one of his friends named Jonrick asked for their help.

Jonrick told them that a construction worker nearby threatened him to spread a video of his alleged sex with a homosexual.

Provoked by the threatening tone of the construction worker, the victim and his group then allegedly threw stones at him, as per Jonrick's request.

When the worker attempted to retaliate, the victim's group ran from the area towards a car establishment nearby.

Coranes, from GGC Security Agency and assigned at the car establishment, allegedly pointed a gun at the group and fired, hitting Barbechu.

According to the suspect, he only fired a warning shot and did not intend to injure the minor, adding that he was only protecting the properties at the establishment.

"Nag-warning shot ra ko, sa pader ra nako giigo. Insidente ra 'to,  akong gipangbantayan nangaigo man, mga brand new nga sakyanan, mga minilyon gud 'na," he claimed.

But the victim's companion, Carlos Roxas, also 15, alleged that the guard intended to shoot Barbechu.

"Pagdagan namo, nigawas ang guwardiya. Si JM nga naa sa akong luyo, mao 'to iya gipusil aron dili kadagan. Kalit lang namusil," the boy alleged.

Barbechu was brought by his friends to Perpetual Succour Hospital and was later transferred to Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center as requested by his mother Erlinda.        

Erlinda said she and her son just arrived from Moalboal to visit her parents' grave at the Carreta Cemetery. She said they will pursue charges for frustrated homicide against the suspect.

Suspect's half-sister Vicki Gumapa said they are willing to support the victim financially on his recovery.

The police are now cooperating with the suspect's security agency in their investigation. (FREEMAN)