Sta. Ana shooting spree

A barangay watchman was killed while five others were hurt after a group of teenagers armed with pistols opened fire while the victims were watching a gay beauty competition in Sta. Ana, Manila shortly after midnight yesterday.

Homicide investigators of the Western Police District (WPD) identified the fatality as Roberto Musni, 37, of 1577 Interior B, Barangay Kapampangan, Sta. Ana, Manila.

Those injured were identified as Paul Michael Preuenciano, 21, of 1534 Interior 3, Villa Paraiso, Sta. Ana, Manila; Marvin Quimabao, 18, of 1525 Barrio Kapampangan, Sta. Ana, Manila, Reynaldo Santos, 17, of 1577 Barrio Kapampangan, Sta. Ana, Manila; Maria Joan Galang, 17, of 1529 Barrio Kapampangan, Sta. Ana, Manila; and Grace Yabut, 20, of 1738 Kahilum Street, Pandacan, Manila.

Police said the victims were shot by a group of unidentified teenagers while they were watching the pageant along Pedro Gil Street at 12:05 a.m.

Investigation revealed that prior to the incident, one of the victims allegedly slapped one of the suspects. The suspects later returned to the scene and fired indiscriminately at the crowd watching the beauty contest.

Police said Musni was hit in the face and died on the spot while the other victims were rushed to the Philippine General Hospital and the Ospital ng Maynila for treatment of gunshot wounds in the back, chest, shoulders and feet.

After the shooting, the suspects scampered on foot. They are now being tracked down by police.

Investigators are looking into the possibility that the shooting incident could be street-gang related.