1 dead, four wounded in riot at Pasil fish port

CEBU, Philippines - One died while four others were wounded after a riot occurred at the Pasil Fish Port in barangay Suba around 8pm last Tuesday.

Involved in the incident were Johnny “Bobong” Ampil, 37 and Victor “Terry” Laborte, 35, both residents of barangay Suba, who were having a drinking spree and brothers Arnold Aro, 20, and Jessie Aro, 25, who were playing “hantak”.

The incident reportedly started when Laborte was looking for Christopher Aro, the brother of Arnold and Jessie. However, when he saw Arnold and Jessie instead, Laborte stabbed the Aro brothers using an unidentified pointed weapon.

Despite the stab wounds, the Aro brothers still managed to run and returned to the area moments later together with Christopher who was bringing a gun. Jessie and Arnold disarmed Laborte and retaliated by stabbing the latter together.

Christopher, for his part, shot Ampil but missed and instead hit one Alberto Abellana, 15, a student who was playing nearby. Christopher still pursued Ampil and subsequently hit the latter during the chase. Ampil subsequently slumped to the ground with the gunshot wound.

After he ran out of bullets, Christopher went back to Jessie and Arnold and allegedly helped his brothers continue stabbing Laborte. Laborte eventually passed away due to number of stab wounds.

Responding policemen brought Ampil, Abellana, Arnold and Jessie to the Cebu City Medical Center while Christopher managed to flee.

Police believe that personal grudge might be the root of the incident. Arnold and Jessie are now under police custody while awaiting charges against them. — Gabriel C. Bonjoc/JMO (THE FREEMAN)