2 dead in Cebu public market attack

CEBU — Armed men attacked a remote village in Pinamungajan early Saturday evening, opening fire at a crowded public market that left two people dead and two others wounded.

Reports reaching the provincial police headquarters told of a "massacre," prompting policemen led by provincial police director Jose Antonio Salvacion to rush to the western town.

The site of the attack, Baran—gay Lamak, however, is not accessible to four-wheeled vehicles and Salvacion had to turn back, leaving his men to proceed to the village.

Police identified the fatalities as Samuel Encabo, 40, a baran—gay councilman, and Nemesio Paquit, 44, a farmer.

The wounded were Mario Labra, 45, a municipal employee, who was hit in the eye, and a certain Martin Nemencio.

Reports said Nemencio was able to grab and take possession of a shotgun which one of the attackers had used. The firearm is now in the custody of the Pinamungajan police.

Police said they still have no idea who the attackers were or what their motive was.

Police found a pistol holster, spent shells from a Carbine, a caliber .45 pistol, a .38 revolver and a .22 revolver, and a .45 magazine. — Freeman News Service