Man shot dead in Tabunok

CEBU, Philippines - An 18-year-old man was shot dead at around 5 a.m. yesterday in Tabunok Public Market, barangay Tabunok, Talisay City.

Police identified the victim as Kerin "Kevin" Gabaca, resident of Sto. Niño, Greenfield, Inayawan, Cebu City. Gabaca sustained a gunshot wound on his right shoulder and another on the right part of his chest.

PO3 Juanito Macabenta, Talisay City Police Station's duty desk officer, said Gabaca was taken to the Talisay City District Hospital but was declared dead by a physician.

His assailant identified as "Brian" fled shortly after the shooting.

Based on the initial investigation conducted by the police, Gabaca was last seen with someone identified as "Kempee."

According to the victim's 17-year-old friend, Gabaca was walking inside the public market when "Brian" showed up armed with a handgun. The latter allegedly fired shots at Gabaca and ran away.

Police found slugs in the crime scene.

SPO1 Mikie Espina, investigator of the crime, said that prior to the shooting, the victim reportedly appealed to the man to not kill him. (FREEMAN)