Grudge eyed in boy's shooting

CEBU, Philippines – A 17-year-old boy died after being shot to death allegedly by the owner of a store where he and his friend wanted to buy cigarettes from in Dimataga Village, Barangay Gun-ob, Lapu-Lapu City.

John Arci Molde, a resident of the village, sustained multiple wounds on his body after Jose Catarinen, 54, fired at him until he ran out of ammunition, said PO3 Lydo Pinos of Lapu-Lapu City Police Office Homicide Section.

The victim, based on the initial investigation, was with his friend Jason Tumulak when they went to Catarinen's store around midnight to buy cigarettes and knocked on the store, saying "Ayoo..." and shouted the suspect's name.

Unaware of Catarinen's intention, the two young men were taken aback when the suspect allegedly aimed a .357 caliber revolver at Molde who was eventually shot several times.

Tumulak scampered away because of fear while the victim was left at the store bathed in blood. Tumulak then called up the victim's sister, Jonavie, to inform her of the incident.

When Jonavie arrived in the area with her uncle, the victim was still able to shout for help but the suspect reportedly shot him once again in the body.

Molde was rushed to Lapu-Lapu City District Hospital but was declared dead-on-arrival while Catarinen was arrested by the responding officers from Gun-ob Police Station 3.

Police confiscated Catarinen's firearm. They are now looking at old grudge as the suspect's motive because reports said the victim tended to mock, tease and give ridiculous comments on Catarinen, who was undergoing dialysis treatment.

The victim was also reported to be involved in using illegal drugs.

PO3 Pinos said murder case will be filed against Catarinen.