Failure to get artificial legs drives PWD to shoot self

CEBU, Philippines - A 27-year-old man who had his two legs amputated because of diabetes has shot himself dead in Toledo City after he was allegedly disheartened by his family’s failure to provide him with artificial legs.

Steve Ronald Abella shot himself in the head in front of his 11-year-old brother, Junrey, at about 8:00 p.m. last Monday inside their house in Barangay Matab-ang, Toledo City.

Junrey told the police that his brother told him in dialect “don’t be afraid” before pulling off the trigger of a caliber .38 revolver which the latter aimed at his temple.

Ferlina Abella said her son had been telling her that he would commit suicide but she just ignored it.

Toledo City police investigator SPO2 Benedicto Bobiles Jr. said that Steve had been longing for a pair of artificial legs which his family failed to provide.

“Dili na man gud siya kalakaw sa layo, dili na pud kaayo siya mugawas sa balay,” the police said.

The police recovered the homemade .38 revolver with three unspent rounds and one empty shell in its cylinder.

Meanwhile, a 28-year-old motorcycle-for-hire driver was shot dead in Barangay Bagalnga, Compostela Monday evening.

Jason Noya, of Sitio Bali-Bali, Barangay Cogon, was allegedly hired by the two suspects, one was identified as Joel Batuon, 26, to bring them to Bagalnga. However, upon reaching the place the victim was killed.

A follow-up operation resulted in the arrest of Batuon while the other assailant remains at large. – (FREEMAN)