2 men shot by juveniles

CEBU, Philippines - Two men were shot and wounded by juveniles in barangay Marigondon, Lapu-Lapu City at about 2:00 in morning yesterday.

The two victims, who were immediately rushed to hospital after sustaining several wounds were identified as Danilo Taghoy, 23, and Andres Dejan, 29, who are all residents of sitio Masiwa, barangay Marigondon.

Taghoy and Dejan worked for a mall and a business firm located inside the Mactan Economic Zone, respectively.

Initial investigation conducted by SPO3 Rex Ibañez of the Crime Against Persons Desk of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LLCPO) showed that the two men were on their way home on foot from a disco when two alleged juveniles shot at them several times.

One of the assailants, already identified, used a .45 caliber pistol, police said.

Taghoy sustained gunshot wounds on back of his body while Dejan was wounded on his chest.

The two men have been declared out of danger.

The shooting was part of an initiation boys have to go through to become full fledge members of this gang, police said.

“Kining mga batan-on bag-o ning sakop sa usa ka gang ug isip initiation sa ilang pagsud sa maong grupo o gang gitahasan kini sa pagpamusil,” Ibañez said.

Under Republic Act 9344, or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, minors below 15 years old are exempted from any criminal liability, while those older than 15 could only be charged if they acted with discernment.

The Supreme Court, in en banc resolution A.M. No. 02-1-18-SC, has held that children in conflict with the law must be allowed to post bail, as a matter of right.

In cases where they are shown to pose no danger to the community, a trial court judge may even release them to their parents, whether or not they can raise the money, while the case against them is still being heard.   (FREEMAN NEWS)