5 men hurt in strafing; 1 in serious condition

CEBU, Philippines - Five men were hurt, one seriously, when three people fired at them for yet unknown reasons at dawn yesterday at B. Aranas corner JM Basa Sts., San Nicolas Proper, this city.

Of the five victims, Julito Arriesgado, 24, a stay-in worker of Felipe Go Marketing located at Figueroa St., is still fighting for his life.

The four other victims were identified as Jomar Jumawan, 19, and his fellow worker Junrey Pude, 19, a resident of Alumnos, barangay Mambaling as well as trisikad driver Rolando Pia, 38, of the said barangay and another trisikad driver aged 16 years old.

All five victims were taken to the Cebu City Medical Center.

Arriesgado was hit on the left side of his neck.

PO3 Dario Manatad of the Cebu City Police Office said that as of yesterday morning, Arriesgado was still unconscious and was to undergo surgery.

Pude was hit on his left knee and left shoulder, Jumawan on his left leg Pia on his right buttocks, and the minor on his right shoulder.

According to the investigation, Arriesgado, Pude and Jumawan just came from having drinks and were sitting on the roadside while the trisikad drivers were about ten meters away waiting for passengers.

Three youngsters, who were described to be in their 20s, passed the area, pulled out guns and fired at the victims without provocation.

Manatad said that the assailants were shooting the workers and that the trisikad drivers were just hit by stray bullets.

The assailants, who were on foot, fled towards corner JM Basa and C. Padilla Streets and disappeared while residents took the victims to the hospital.

Responding policemen from San Nicolas Police Station conducted a hot pursuit against the assailants, but could not make any arrest. — Niña G. Sumacot/NLQ (THE FREEMAN)