Guard shoots snatcher

CEBU, Philippines - A security guard voluntarily surrendered after shooting an alleged snatcher outside the establishment he was guarding in Magallanes St., Cebu City yesterday morning.

Andy Carnay, 28, reached his limit and shot 24-year-old Julito Cabigon shortly after the latter snatched again from their customers.

Carnay, employed under Sea-Lion Security and Investigation Agency, was manning the entrance of Bea Star Fashion Center when Cabigon arrived and suddenly snatched the earrings of their female customer, who was about to enter the establishment.

Carnay said Cabigon was with three companions, a certain Joselito, Redin and Itlog. They then casually walked away, prompting him to admonish them.

“Giingnan nako na ‘wa man mo’y respeto sa gwardiya. (I told them they do not have any respect for the guard),” the guard said.

Angered that his words fell on deaf ears, Carnay shot Cabigon, hitting him on the back.

Cabigon’s companions ran away. Carnay chased them and fired two more shots but missed.

The bullets hit the glass window of a pharmacy instead and the glass shards injured the pharmacy’s sales clerk Renilie Villacorta, 29, and cashier Zyra Balili, 21.

Carnay, his relatives, and some residents near the area alleged that Cabigon is a noted snatcher in the place.

Just last week, Carnay said Cabigon snatched from another customer again and days later, asked money from him to buy shabu.

“Gipangayoan ko og kwarta para shabu kuno. Nihatag sad ko og P40. Wa lang g’yud koy armas ato unya siya naa. Naa sad siya’y back-up. (He asked money from me for shabu. I gave him P40. I just didn’t have a gun at that time while he had a gun and even had back-up),” Carnay shared.

PO2 Nilo Aventurado of the Homicide Section said Cabigon is now in a stable condition but the bullet hit his spinal cord and his feet allegedly felt numb.

Although Carnay may have acted in self defense, police said they will still be filing a charge for frustrated homicide against the guard. –(FREEMAN)