Tanod shoots suspected thief

CEBU, Philippines - A 19-year-old suspected thief landed at the hospital after a barangay tanod shot him along M.J. Cuenco Avenue, Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City dawn yesterday.

Jimboy Cañete, a junk shop helper, sustained a gunshot wound to his right thigh after suddenly shot by barangay tanod Wilfredo Wasawas at 2 a.m. near Pool Hall.

Cañete was reportedly carrying an airconditioning unit which he suddenly dropped when he saw Wasawas coming together with other five tanods who were conducting a roving patrol aboard their service vehicle.

Allegedly because of fear, Cañete abandoned the aircon unit and was shot by Wasawas.

However, seconds later, the suspected thief felt pain in his right thigh, making him realize that he was hit.

Wilfredo Cañete, cousin of the victim, who saw the incident, took him to the Cebu City Medical Center for treatment.

Wasawas voluntarily surrendered to PO3 Neri Cahimat, duty desk officer of the Mabolo Police Station.

According to a witness, Cañete was released from the city jail two months ago for theft.

PO3 Geoffrey Gutual of the Homicide Section said he has no idea yet why the tanod shot Cañete when they have no personal grudges.

Noel Encabo, team leader of the surveillance team of barangay tanods, said that Wasawas might only be thinking of defending himself against Cañete because the place where the incident happened is allegedly dangerous as it is prone to petty crimes.

Encabo however said he had no idea why Wasawas possessed a gun when barangay tanods are prohibited to carry a firearm. — THE FREEMAN