‘Human shield’ shot dead in QC

An 18-year-old boy was shot dead in Quezon City after a suspected drug addict who was trying to protect himself during a shootout with an armed neighbor used him as a human shield Tuesday night.

Victim Francisco Carlo, 18, student, of 33 Sitio Senatorial Road, Barangay Batasan Hills, Quezon City, sustained bullet wounds in the body and was pronounced dead on arrival at the Fairview General Hospital.

The gunmen, Nikie Tang, 20, and Erwin Bandon, 19, both residents of Batasan Hills, fled after the shooting, taking with them their weapons. They are suspected drug users in the area, the police said.

Initial reports showed that the incident took place at about 9 p.m. on IBP Road near Carlo’s house in Senatorial Street. Reports said the victim was taking out the garbage when he was caught in the crossfire between Tang and Bandon.

The protagonists were both armed with homemade shotguns and were reportedly feuding over some "personal matters." At one point Bandon, lost control of his weapon as Tang was about to shoot him.

It was at this point when Bandon grabbed Carlo by the neck and used him as a human shield. When Tang fired a shot towards the direction of Bandon, Carlo was hit in the abdomen and fell on the ground.

After realizing what they have done, Bandon and Tang scampered in different directions, leaving the bleeding victim sprawled on the pavement. He was taken to the hospital where he expired at about 9:37 p.m.

Elements of the Central Police District (CPD) are now looking for Bandon and Tang. – Matthew Estabillo