CEBU, Philippines - In what he claimed to be an “act of self-defense,” a meat dealer at the Carbon Public Market shot dead a 19-year-old man yesterday dawn in the said area who was reportedly hurling stones at passing vehicles.

Roberto Gonzaga, Sr., 43 years old, a resident of Tabunok, Talisay City, who has been in the meat-dealing trade in Carbon for the past 23 years, allegedly shot to death one Warren Dominguez, 19, of barangay Ermita at past 2 a.m. along M.F. Escaño Street as an act of self-defense.

Chemar Entera and Jay Abadinas, both 18 years old, and neighbors of the victim told the police that they were walking on the roadside when they saw the victim throwing empty bottles and stones at vehicles passing by the area.

A white Isuzu Elf delivery truck, with plate numbers YGW-678, driven by Gonzaga, who was with his wife on the way to the market, passed by and was also allegedly hit by a stone that the victim had thrown. It was also found out that the stone hit the left side mirror of the vehicle.

Gonzaga, in an interview with reporters yesterday, said he first admonished the victim by asking him what’s wrong with him or what his problem could be.

However, the victim without any word allegedly moved in an attempt to attack him which prompted Gonzaga to shoot the victim four times, hitting him twice in the right chest.

He then surrendered to Desk Officer PO3 Christopher Sanchez of the San Nicolas Police Station.

He also surrendered his licensed .40 caliber pistol with eight live bullets and one magazine, a firearm license card and a permit to carry card both bearing his name. — Niña G. Sumacot/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)