"Drunk" shot after shooting passerby

CEBU, Philippines - A 22-year-old man from Sitio Lawis, Barangay Sto. Niño was shot twice by his neighbor for no apparent reason on Sunday evening. However, the suspect was also wounded during their scuffle.

The victim, Cristuto Pielago, sustained gunshot wounds on his left and right thigh but is now out of danger after he was taken to the Toledo City Hospital.

The suspect, Marcelino “Oka” Narciso, 44, also sustained a gunshot wound on his stomach.

Thinking that they could elude arrest, the suspect’s brother, Pedro Narciso, rushed him to the Balamban District Hospital where the police caught up with them.

Narciso is now confined at the Visayas Community Medical Center along Jones Ave., Cebu City.

Pielago was reportedly walking home when he was waylaid by Narciso who was allegedly under the influence of liquor at that time. Without apparent reason, Narciso shot Pielago twice.

Police investigation revealed that even if Pielago was already wounded, he still tried to grapple with Narciso and was able to grab the caliber .45 pistol.

The police could no longer determine who pulled the gun’s trigger which hit Narciso on the stomach.

Police recovered the pistol loaded with two bullets believed to have been used by Narciso.

According to SPO4 Gil Lastimosa, Pielago could not remember having a conflict or any feelings of resentment against Narciso.

“Mura’g na-tripan lang gyud kuno siya atong higayuna kay hubog ang suspect,” Lastimosa said.

Lastimosa said that Narciso is now guarded with policemen while he is currently treated at the hospital.

Criminal charges are now being prepared against Narciso. — (FREEMAN)