18-year-old shot dead at dance, two injured

CEBU, Philippines - An 18-year-old boy died while two of his companions were seriously injured after they were shot by a man during a benefit dance in Barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City at 2:30 am yesterday.

The fatality was identified as Rall Ragasajo, a resident of Caballes Compound, Barangay Guadalupe. His cousin, Brendo Ragasajo, 21, and neighbor, Winjun Morillo, 18, were in serious condition at the hospital as of yesterday.

Investigation revealed that the victims were at a benefit dance in sitio Dapdap for the village’s annual feast when the suspect, Frank Simon Ibon, suddenly opened fire at them.

Rall was fatally hit on the left side of his chest, upper stomach, and on his back. He died on the spot.

Brendo was hit on his nape, the bullet exiting his nose. Morillo suffered a gunshot wound on the upper part of his left cheek, the bullet exiting his right eye. Both were rushed to the Perpetual Soccour Hospital.

Police assigned with the Mobile Patrol Group responded to the incident and tried to pursue Ibon, but the suspect eluded arrest.

Police recovered five empty shells from a caliber .45 pistol and a Honda motorcycle that the suspect had left behind at the crime scene.

SPO4 Alex Dacua of the Homicide Section said the victims who were considered as “dayo” might have bumped the suspect while dancing, which irked the latter.

During the course of the investigation, Dacua said they found out that Ibon has a previous case of hold-up.

Meanwhile, a few minutes before the incident in Barangay Kalunasan, a plumber was shot on the hip by his neighbor who reportedly harbored a grudge against him. The incident happened in sitio Kamagong, Barangay Lahug.

Renato Corbeta, 46, a resident of Cabantan St., Barrio Luz, sustained a wound on his hip. The suspect is identified as Edmor Quirante.

Investigation conducted by the Homicide Section showed that the victim was drinking with his cousin and his brother’s house when Quirante arrived and, without a word, fired a warning shot into the air.

This prompted Corbeta to run away but Quirante fired another shot, which hit the victim on the right side of the hip. Quirante fled right after.

The victim was taken by his wife to the Cebu City Medical Center for treatment. Afterwards, they proceeded to the Mabolo Police Station to report the incident.

The victim said he and Quirante have an axe to grind against each other over an incident that took place two years ago. He, however, refused to elaborate.  (FREEMAN)