Two shot in separate revenge-driven incidents

CEBU, Philippines - Two men died while a minor was injured in Cebu City yesterday dawn in what authorities believe were separate shooting incidents motivated by revenge.

In Sitio Tuburan, Barangay Punta Princesa, 28-year-old Eduard Flores succumbed to gunshot wounds and serious physical injuries while his 16-year-old companion was injured with a gunshot wound.

Police Officer 3 Lou Pagara, investigator from the Cebu City Police Office’s Homicide Section, said at around 4 a.m. yesterday, Flores and the minor both went to a store to buy some cigarettes.

However, an unidentified man armed with a handgun allegedly showed up and suddenly started shooting at them.

Pagara said Flores and the minor managed to run away for safety. However, the gunman allegedly chased Flores, who was later slumped on the floor, and shot him again.

He said when they arrived at the crime scene, they saw Flores lying on his back with blood on his mouth and head and both arms were broken. He also suffered two gunshot wounds to his stomach and right upper arm.

Pagara said they suspect that a group of men ganged up on Flores and a hard object might possibly have hit his head. He said based on their information, Flores was a suspect of a stabbing incident in their neighborhood a month ago.

Shot in Calamba

Meanwhile, another man died after he was shot by motorcycle-riding men at around 2:30 a.m. yesterday at Sitio Almacin, Barangay Calamba.

Aljilito Zamoras alias “Kaka”, 21, of Sitio Mahayahay in the same barangay, died several hours at the hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound with the bullet hit his spinal cord.

Police investigation revealed that Zamoras was driving a bicycle with his friends. Upon reaching Sitio Almacin, Zamoras’ bicycle had a flat tire and he just pushed it while walking with one of his friends.

However, two men on board a motorcycle suddenly shot Zamoras from the back then immediately sped off. Zamora’s friend was able to run away after noticing the armed men.

Zamoras was immediately brought by his friends to the Cebu City Medical Center. However, he died at around 9 a.m. yesterday.

Pagara said Zamoras’ group admitted they mauled a teenager at around 11 p.m. last Tuesday.

The investigator said revenge could be behind the death of Flores and Zamoras but added they have yet to conduct further investigation. — (FREEMAN)