Seaman mistaken for ex-tanod’s enemy shot dead; suspect killed

CEBU, Philippines - A seafarer was shot dead after an ex-tanod mistaken him for his enemy while buying food from a barbeque stand along Mabini Street in Barangay Santo Niño, Cebu City yesterday dawn.

The suspect was also killed by the police during hot pursuit operation after he allegedly tried to shoot it out with the members of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team.

Kim Anthony Casuyon Branzuela, 24, a native of Mahayag, Zamboanga del Sur, went out of his boarding house past 2 a.m. yesterday to buy food from a nearby barbeque stall.

The suspect, Geruncio Maneja Morales, allegedly shot the victim without any provocation. Police investigators believe that Branzuela was mistaken by the suspect for his enemy because he had similar haircut and body build.

The victim's boardmate, Sanny Caldoza Baobao, said Branzuela had just finished processing his employment papers in Manila and was preparing to go home to Zamboanga while waiting for the call from his employer.

The suspect, who is a former tanod, fled after shooting the victim but caught up with the police during hot pursuit operation.

He allegedly shot at members of the SWAT team using a caliber .38 revolver, prompting the lawmen to return fire hitting him in different parts of his body.

Initial investigation revealed that the suspect sustained at least four gunshot wounds to the body. (FREEMAN)