Actor's car shot at, stoned

MANILA, Philippines - Actor Jake Cuenca’s car was damaged when unidentified men shot at it and pelted it with stones while it was parked near his house in Mandaluyong City yesterday.

Senior Superintendent Carlos de Sagun, Mandaluyong City police chief, said they are gathering witnesses to identify the culprits in the attack on Cuenca’s green Ford Expedition (RTG-883).

De Sagun said Cuenca’s vehicle has a bullet hole in its front left fender while several dents were seen on the Expedition’s body.

Responding Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) recovered three shells from a .45 caliber automatic pistol five meters from the car and three fist-sized stones they believe may have been used to damage the vehicle.

Cuenca (Juan Carlos Cuenca in real life), 21, parked his vehicle in front of the DSL building at the corner of Mayon street and Boni Avenue at about 2 a.m. yesterday.

Cuenca, who stars in ABS-CBN’s “Tayong Dalawa” soap opera, and his personal driver had just come from a business meeting and were resting when they heard successive gunshots.

Witness Antonio Orienza said that prior to the shooting, he noticed a black sport utility vehicle stop near Cuenca’s car, then speed away towards Makiling street. He failed to jot down the SUV’s plate number.

Cuenca told De Sagun he has no known enemies and was not involved in any trouble lately.

He said his relationship with his relatives is “outstanding” and he could not think of anyone who would stage the attack.

Cuenca theorized that rival gangs clashed in their barangay and his vehicle was caught in the crossfire. – Non Alquitran