"Gunman" recovering in hospital

CEBU, Philippines - The alleged gunman in the February 1 ambush which killed lawyer Virginia Sesbreño and two others is reportedly recovering from injuries after getting shot in the jaw by the police.

But as expectedTommy Echavez denied the accusation.

SPO1 Mikie Espina of the Talisay City Police Station’s homicide section said the police expected Echavez to deny the allegation.

Echavez will undergo questioning after his discharge from hospital.

As of this writing, Echavez is recuperating at the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center where he was taken after getting hit in the jaw during a gunfight with the police last February 26 when they came to arrest him.

Echavez and the still-at-large driver of the motorcycle have been charged with multiple murder in the city prosecutor’s office.

And because of this case, Espina said Echavez will be sent directly to the Talisay City Jail from the hospital.

A motorcycle was used as a getaway vehicle after Sesbreño and two others were ambushed in barangay Cansojong, Talisay City.

Echavez is also facing separate charges of illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and explosive after police allegedly found in his possession a .45 caliber pistol, live ammunition, and a hand grenade when he was arrested last February 26.

Allegedly, the same gun was used last February 1, which further raised the theory that it was Echavez who rained bullets on the car which carried Sesbreño and the two other victims.