Four killed in separate shootings

CEBU, Philippines - Four were killed in separate shooting incidents in the cities of Toledo, Carcar and in the town of Balamban.

In a span of three hours, two persons were shot dead by gunmen in the barangays of Captain Claudio and Matab-ang in Toledo City Thursday.

Faustina Sordilla Risane, a 90-year-old widow, was shot to death while sleeping inside their house around 12:30 a.m. in Sitio Gingcamote, Barangay Captain Claudio.

Police investigators gathered from Bonifacio Risane, a son of Faustina, that they were sleeping inside their house when the assailant barged in and shot Faustina in the head, causing her immediate death.

SPO3 Henry Acosta, investigator, said that Faustina was among those who were about to be ejected from the lot they were occupying that was already sold years back.

Acosta added that it was not the first time someone from the place was shot due to the land dispute. He added that they now have a lead but refused to disclose this.

In Sitio Tubod, Barangay Matab-ang, a man who was allegedly engaged in illegal drugs was shot dead by a man on board a motorcycle at 3:39 p.m.

 Simplicio Nengaska Jr., 25, of Sitio Tapon, succumbed to a gunshot wound in his right jaw with the bullet exiting his left ear.

SPO1 Benedicto Bobilles Jr. said residents saw Nengaska being chased by the gunman wearing a helmet and on board a motorcycle before he was cornered in front of the house owned by Victorino Cabanilla.

Residents then heard a loud burst of gunfire and the gunman sped off to an unknown direction. Police recovered a cartridge case of .45 pistol in the scene.

In Sitio Danao, Barangay Valencia, Carcar City, a 24-year-old motorcycle-for-hire driver was shot dead by two unidentified assailants while on board his motorcycle midday Thursday.

Jerry Cabigas of Barangay Saragosa, Aloguinsan, had multiple gunshot wounds in his body. He was rushed to the Carcar Provincial Hospital but was declared dead on arrival by attending physician.

Meanwhile, in Sitio Waswasan, Barangay Gaas, Balamban, a 58-year-old widow was shot dead in front of their house around 8:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Rebeca Heroela succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds in different parts of her body. She was taken to a hospital in Cebu City but was declared dead on arrival.

Investigation conducted by SPO1 Jose Ranielito Villarino, team leader, disclosed that Heroela was with her live-in partner, Benigno Duran, in the birthday party of Heroela’s grandchild not far from their house.

Heroela and Duran were walking home when the victim decided to fix a water hose that was temporarily cut down. It was at this point when loud bursts of gunfire rang out before Heroela fell on the ground.

Police investigators recovered two deformed slugs, three empty shells of caliber 9mm pistol, and a bullet of 9mm pistol. (FREEMAN)