Masked man shoots two barangay tanods

CEBU - Two civilian volunteers of barangay Ermita, Cebu City were injured when an unidentified masked man shot at them after they played a local card game “tong-its” in sitio Bato last Thursday evening.

In a report submitted to Cebu City Police Office director Patrocinio Comendador, Homicide Section chief Mario Monilar said the two victims were identified as Ricky Contratista, alias “Tisoy,” 28, a resident of Freedom Park, Barangay Ermita and Ernesto Booc, alias “Insik,” 24, a resident of Sitio Greenbelt, Ibabao-Basak, Barangay Mambaling.

The report stated that both men had identification cards of “Task Force Black 13 Peace,” the tanod force of barangay Ermita, signed by barangay captain Felicisimo Rupinta.

Past 9 p.m., the two victims were allegedly about to leave the area after playing “tong-its” when an unidentified masked man suddenly appeared and fired at them using an undetermined caliber of handgun. This prompted the two to run away for safety.

However, the assailant shot at them three times before he disappeared into the dark.

The bullet pierced through Contratista’s left arm and hit the left portion of his chest. A friend rushed him to Cebu City Medical Center for treatment.

On the other hand, Booc sustained a gunshot wound to his right arm but he still managed to report the incident to Carbon Police Station.

The victims believe the assailant is among those who got affected by their constant roving patrol and strict maintenance of safety and order in the area, particularly at the Carbon Market. — Ferliza C. Contratista/WAB (THE FREEMAN)