CEBU, Philippines — A 17-year-old boy was shot dead by still unidentified assailants while playing on G. Ouano Street in Barangay Opao, Mandaue City yesterday dawn.
Syle Cantillep succumbed to several gunshot wounds to his chest and other parts of his body, said Senior Inspector James Conaco of Mandaue City Police Office- Station 5.
Based on initial police investigation, Cantillep, a resident of Purok Rose of the said village, was playing “buwan-buwan,” a popular Filipino street game which is similar to a “capture the base” game, with his friends when he was shot at around 1:20 a.m.
Two persons on board a black motorcycle without a plate number were seen few meters from the crime scene. The backrider reportedly pulled a gun and shot the victim several times.
Cantillep died instantly.
Residents reported the shooting incident to the police, who also called personnel of the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF) to respond.
ERUF personnel tried to revive the victim, but failed, said Conaco.
At least six empty shells of a .45 caliber pistol were recovered from the crime scene.
Conaco said police are eyeing personal grudge and gang war as possible motives behind the killing.
Investigation further revealed that Cantillep was a member of the Alpha Kappa Rho (AKRHO) fraternity.
“We will dig deeper into the teenager’s death,” Conaco said.
Shootout
In a separate incident, a suspected drug personality was killed in a shootout with Parian police in Barangay Tejero, Cebu City Friday night.
Gewe Gestopa, a resident of Mandaue City, was shot after he allegedly resisted arrest during a buy-bust operation.
Gestopa allegedly pulled out his .38 caliber pistol and fired at a police poseur-buyer. But the police officer was able to take cover.
The backup policemen retaliated and hit Gestopa.
Police recovered the loaded gun and two packs of shabu from Gestopa.
Meanwhile, a 27-year-old man was injured after his drinking buddy shot him in the chest in Barangay Tawason Friday night.
According to MCPO-Station 6, the victim, Rocky Custiniani, and the suspect, Al Tango, engaged in a heated argument prior to the shooting. Both were drunk.
Tango allegedly shot the victim and then fled.
Custiniani was rushed to the North General Hospital in Barangay Talamban, Cebu City but was later transferred to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center for an operation.
Police are now conducting follow-up operations to arrest the suspect. — Ermida Q. Moradas/KBQ (FREEMAN)