2 gang members arrested for mauling teenager

CEBU, Philippines - Two alleged gang members are facing charges for illegal possession of firearms and for mauling and trying to shoot a teenager early morning last Saturday along M.J. Cuenco Ave., barangay T. Padilla, Cebu City.

Police arrested Warren Mataldo, 18, resident of barangay Tinago and Jimrex Singson, 22, of Zapanta St., sitio Villagonzalo II, barangay Tejero, for carrying an unlicensed .38 cal. revolver, which they tried to use in shooting Marfred Alia, 18, a resident of M.J. Cuenco Ave.

Investigation revealed that Alia was standing along the road when the suspects, who are allegedly members of a gang, appeared and without any apparent reason, suddenly mauled the victim.

Mataldo allegedly punched Alia’s face and body then pulled out the revolver from his waist and pointed it at the victim’s forehead. The suspect then cocked the weapon and tried to shoot the victim but the gun misfired.

A resident, who noticed the commotion called the Parian police station for assistance. Policemen who responded to the scene arrested the two suspects and recovered the revolver that contained two live rounds from Singson.  — Niña Chrismae G. Sumacot/WAB (THE FREEMAN)