Two dead in shootings

CEBU, Philippines - An alleged drug user was shot dead while a 61-year-old woman was killed in a crossfire in two separate shooting incidents in Cebu City last Tuesday.

The victims were identified as Manuel Salvador, 39, of Barangay Tinago, and Juanita Ramirez, 61, of Sitio Malinawon, Barangay Duljo-Fatima.

 Salvador, an alleged drug addict, was killed right after he reportedly bought drugs in Sitio Sampaguita, Barangay Tejero, around 4 p.m. 

PO2 Esmer Escultor, homicide investigator, said witnesses reported that the victim just came from the interior portion of the barangay when the assailant suddenly showed up.

The assailant, armed with an unidentified firearm, stood behind the victim and shot him point blank multiple times, Escultor said.

Salvador’s assailant fled while residents of the area scampered for cover.

A few minutes later, members of the Cebu City Scene of the Crime Operatives together with operative from the Homicide Section, arrived at the crime scene.

Escultor said two small sachets of white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, a nine-inch fan knife or balisong were recovered from the victim’s corpse during a body search. 

Four empty shells from an unknown firearm and a motorcycle were also found at the crime scene.

“Posible gyud nga gipusil siya tungod sa droga. Tingali’g naa saya’y nakaaway sa sulod og gipatay siya,” Escultor said.

Meanwhile, Ramirez, who was only buying food at a nearby eatery along Spolarium St. Barangay Duljo-Fatima, was hit by a stray bullet when two brothers shot at each other around 6:30 p.m.

Romeo Cabating, 34, and Edward Cabating, 38, shot at each other after having a heated argument. It was not clear what the two were arguing about.

The victim was shot in the back and killed instantly.

Because of guilt, Romeo surrendered to Duljo-Fatima officials while his older brother fled.

Romeo also surrendered a snub-nosed .38 cal. revolver while two live rounds were recovered at the crime scene.   

Escultor, who also investigated the incident, said that when Romeo surrendered, he seemed to be under the influence of illegal drugs as he did not experience pain during paraffin testing. – (FREEMAN)