‘Hantak’ loser shoots winning playmate dead

CEBU, Philippines - A local tour guide who won from a “hantak” game was shot dead by his fuming playfellow in Sitio Guisi, Barangay Agus in Lapu-Lapu City yesterday dawn.

Wendel Fuentes, believed to be around 39 years old and a resident of Barangay Ibabao Agus, was not able to enjoy the fruits of his win in a game of coins when a certain “Mano” allegedly shot him, initial investigation made by Police Officer 2 Joseph Rouel Cutanda of Lapu-Lapu City Police Office-Homicide section revealed.

PO2 Cutanda said the victim was playing cara y cruz, locally known as hantak, together with his companions and the suspect then decided to stop the coin game because he needed to fetch a guest.

The suspect, who reportedly lost the game, got irked and went towards Fuentes, who was at that time gathering, his winnings.

Mano then pulled out an unidentified firearm and allegedly shot the victim behind his head which resulted to his instant death.

The victim’s wallet, cellphone and his winnings were believed to have been taken by the suspect after the shooting.

Mano evaded arrest from the responding police officers of Marigondon Police Station 4 while the victim’s body was brought to Westland Funeral Homes for autopsy.

The police are still conducting a follow-up investigation for the possible arrest of the suspect.  (FREEMAN)