Gun malfunctions twice but succeeds killing teen on third try

CEBU, Philippines - A 17-year-old girl died after she was shot pointblank by her friend's brother in Barangay West Poblacion, Naga City yesterday afternoon.

Succumbing to a gunshot wound to the head was Mabel Kim, of Uling, Barangay Don Andres Soriano. She was immediately rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Police are still on a hunt against the suspect, Danilo Villarico, 18, and resident of the said barangay.

Superintendent Brindo Nacario, Naga City police chief, said that Kim and his friends Marjorie Canonigo and Rachel Villarico reportedly had misunderstanding when Kim and Canonigo arrived late when they planned to meet up Tuesday.

Nacario said that when the two arrived, Rachel allegedly slapped Canonigo which prompted the latter to report the incident to the police station for physical injury.

The incident reached Danilo, brother of Rachel, who went yesterday at the house of Canonigo.

"Kini si Kim nilaag ra pud ngadto sa ilang (Canonigo) murag nibisita lang," Nacario said.

Danilo then pulled out a revolver and tried to shoot at Canonigo but the gun malfunctioned. It was at this juncture when Danilo aimed at Kim and pulled the trigger again but still the gun malfunctioned again.

For the third time, Danilo pulled the trigger and the gun fired, hitting Kim in the head.

Danilo fled right after the incident and now subject of the manhunt operation.