Armed man shot dead at Cebu archbishop’s residence

MANILA, Philippines — A man was killed in an alleged shootout with police officers at the Archbishop’s  Palace in Cebu City yesterday.

The man, who was identified through his driver’s license as Jeffrey Cañedo, 41, a resident of Barangay Labangon, reportedly asked for an appointment with Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma. Cañedo arrived at the compound at around 10:40 a.m. and did not remove his helmet and bonnet.

When told that Palma was attending a meeting in Manila, Cañedo reportedly insisted that he should be allowed to talk to the archbishop.

 “The assistants of Archbishop Palma said the guy looked disturbed and deranged and insisted that he wants to talk to the archbishop even if he is in New Zealand,” Chief Superintendent Debold Sinas, Central Visayas police director,  said. 

Sinas said the staff of the archbishop sought police assistance after Cañedo refused to move his motorcycle and when they noticed that he was carrying a caliber .38 revolver.

When asked to surrender by responding police officers, Cañedo reportedly opened fire. 

Joseph Tan, Cebu archdiocese spokesman, said there was no prior threat to Palma’s life.

“Right now we do not feel threatened... We hope that this is an isolated case... We are not at a level that we are seeing it as an attack against the church,” Tan said.

In an interview over Radio Veritas, Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Dennis Villarojo relayed Palma’s appeal to the public to remain calm.

“Do not make any speculation because an investigation is ongoing. Let the process take its course,” Villarojo said.

Also in Cebu City yesterday, Roel Mabano, 41, kagawad of Barangay Kalunasan, was  shot dead by unidentified assailants at around 2:30 p.m.  – With Cecille Suerte Felipe, Evelyn Macairan, Emmanuel Tupas