3 killed in shooting rampage
CEBU, Philippines — CEBU, Philippines — Three people died, while another one was seriously injured after an alleged ex-convict, believed to be high on drugs, went on a shooting rampage on Friday night in Sitio Jagna, Barangay Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City.
Operatives from the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office and Special Weapons and Tactics were quicked to arrest 41-year-old suspect Eduardo Ramos Taghoy Jr., a resident of the barangay, in his home after a follow-up operation. He will be facing multiple charges, police said.
Recovered from his possession are a caliber .45 pistol with two bullets still inside the magazine and suspected drug sniffing paraphernalia.
The three fatalities were identified as Randyl Diaz Aying, 48, a construction worker; Junrey Balmosena Jamora, 26, with live-in partner, photographer and a Maxim rider; and Neann Aquino Ceño, a lending collector, and a native of Masbate. They all died on the spot from head injuries.
Another man, Antonio Abarillo Sapotalo Jr., was taken to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City. Sapotalo managed to run to the barangay hall and sought for help despite his gunshot wounds.
Taghoy reportedly did not regret his actions, saying, his targets were bad individuals.
“Mga tirador to sir. Mga salbahis to. Mao ra may akong pangpatyon. Kanang mga salbahis nga nagbasol, di ko gyud na pamatyon..kadungog mo?Mga killer to sir, mga tirador to,” Taghoy said.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Christian Torres, spokesperson for the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LCPO), told The Freeman Taghoy was found hiding in his residence.
Torres said the shooting appeared to be random as witnesses saw Taghoy standing near the chapel before the 8 p.m. incident, carrying a weapon.
A few minutes later, Taghoy approached the victims who were in the area. Torres said Taghoy shot the victims at gunpoint in their heads.
Torres said his team has not found any evidence suggesting the suspect had an enemy or a motive in the shooting.
He added that among the angles they are looking into is the possibility that Taghoy was under the influence of illegal drugs, as this was observed during his arrest.
“Pag-abot didto bangag kaayo sa tanan, mailhan gyud nimo ba,” said Torres.
He said Taghoy will undergo a drug test, especially since numerous drug sniffing paraphernalia were confiscated in his house during the arrest.
Torres revealed that Taghoy was once jailed for a drug related offense. He was released four months ago.
He also said that Taghoy is on the watchlist of the Police Station 2.
Taghoy is currently detained at the LCPO headquarters' detention facility in Barangay Pusok.
Torres said Taghoy will face multiple counts of murder and attempted murder.
He will also face charges for illegal possession of firearms under Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition as well as violations of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) gun ban.
Torres said Taghoy may also face a drug-related complaint following the discovery of drug paraphernalia during his arrest.
Public reminder
Torres also said that it is vital for the community to be more vigilant. He said it is important to immediately report suspicious behaviors of their neighbor/s as an effective crime prevention measure.
Mayor Junard "Ahong" Chan had to forego his plan of meeting the images of Sr. Sto.Niño de Cebu, Our Lady of Guadalupe, and Patrocinio de San Jose de Mandaue at the Nuestra Señora de Regla Parish National Shrine and rushed to the crime scene instead.
Chan congratulated the Lapu-Lapu City’s police force for a job well done.
Ahong promised to help the victims' families.
“I would like to congratulate our policemen for the job well done. Diha-diha dayon sa panghitabo gilusad dayon ang pagpangita sa suspetsado,” Chan said.
Chan also expressed sadness over the tragic shooting incident.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims during this difficult time,” said Chan.
Chan said that the City Government will cover the funeral expenses to ensure the victims receive a proper burial.
“I have instructed my team to take charge of this matter promptly,” said Chan.
Chan said he would coordinate with the City Social Welfare and Development Office to provide assistance to the victims' families, including support for the injured individual.
Meanwhile, a joint police operation led to the arrest of one of Central Visayas’ most wanted fugitives in Sitio Nangkaan, Barangay Perrelos, Carcar City on Friday, Jan. 17.
The suspect, identified as alias "Vio," was listed as the Top 3 Most Wanted Person at the regional level, as well as the Top 3 Provincial and Top 2 Municipal Most Wanted Person.
He was arrested for his alleged involvement in a robbery at Macy's and Gold Chain in Barangay Ermita, Cebu City on Aug. 8, 2024. — JG (FREEMAN)
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