Suspect in Argao shooting falls, manhunt continues

CEBU, Philippines — Police have arrested one of the suspects in the fatal shooting that claimed the life of a man and wounded two others in Barangay Capio-an, Argao, Cebu, while investigators continue to look into a personal grudge as a possible motive behind the attack.

Arrested was Esteban Zamora Solis Jr., 35, a resident of Barangay Capio-an. He was cornered by operatives of the Argao Municipal Police Station during a manhunt operation at around 11 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1.

Investigators identified Solis as one of the armed men involved in the shooting that occurred on Tuesday night, June 30, in Purok Tambis, Barangay Capio-an.

Police said a witness positively identified Solis, prompting authorities to immediately launch a hot pursuit operation that led to his arrest.

Recovered from his possession were a .45-caliber pistol, a magazine, and five live rounds of ammunition.

The suspect is expected to face a murder complaint.

Authorities are continuing the manhunt for the remaining suspects, who allegedly arrived at the scene on board a vehicle and a motorcycle before opening fire on the victims.

Killed in the attack was Rocky Bernabe Celada, 36, while Edsel Campaner and Anselmo Canitam sustained injuries and were rushed to a hospital for treatment. Another companion, Anderson Padilla, managed to escape unharmed.

According to investigators, the victims were outside a house when the gunmen arrived and repeatedly fired at them before fleeing the scene.

Police are leaning toward a personal grudge as a possible motive but have not ruled out the possible involvement of illegal drugs.

Investigators are also examining the possibility that the attack was an act of retaliation, noting that Celada had previously served five years in prison in connection with a frustrated murder case.

Family members said Celada had been warning residents against illegal drugs after experiencing the consequences of incarceration firsthand. They believe this may have contributed to the attack, although police stressed that the exact motive has yet to be determined.

The Argao Municipal Police Station said the manhunt for the remaining suspects is ongoing. – IHM (CEBU NEWS)