Man stabbed, another shot during fiesta

CEBU, Philippines - Two construction workers were wounded in separate stabbing and shooting incidents in Sitio Malinao, Barangay Agus, Lapu-Lapu City.

Homicide investigators found out that the two events happened during the barangay’s fiesta celebration.

Jhonjie Fuentez, 18, of Sitio Guisi, sustained wounds in the right side of his chest when he was stabbed by yet unidentified suspect around 3 a.m. on Monday, said Police Officer 3 Luisito Ernie of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office-Homicide Section.

Investigation revealed that Fuentez was on his way home from a disco, accompanied by his cousin John Niño, few hours before the actual incident.

While walking, another man, reportedly wearing hooded jacket followed the victim and eventually stabbed him with a use of a bladed weapon.

Ernie said the suspect was able to flee while Fuentez was sent to Mactan Doctors’ Hospital and was transferred to Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center later.

Another man, identified as Joel Pedebello, 50, of Sitio Bukid-bukid, Barangay Pajac was also shot by unidentified suspect in the same barangay where Fuentez was stabbed.

Police Officer 2 Marven Saraum of LCPO revealed that Pedebello decided to visit his old friend in Sitio Malinao around 1 a.m. on Sunday. He reportedly came from a drinking spree in one of his neighbors’ house.

While the victim was heading his way to Sitio Malinao, three men from a distance were reportedly “planning” their attack on Pedebello.

One of the three suspects neared Pedebello and shot him with the use of an unidentified firearm.

The victim sustained gunshot wounds to his mouth with the bullet going  through his nape. The suspects escaped.

Neighbors who heard the gunshot immediately called emergency responders for assistance who then sent the victim to VSMMC.

As of now, both victims are still confined in the hospital.

Police are still conducting a follow-up investigation on both incidents and for possible arrest of the suspects. – (FREEMAN)