1 killed in ambush in Balamban

CEBU, Philippines - A man was killed while a woman is in critical condition after they were ambushed in Barangay Vito, Balamban town around 10 a.m. yesterday.

The fatality was identified only as “Jason” while the woman was identified as Rachel Fuentes, 43, a native of Batangas City. She is currently confined at a hospital in Cebu City.

Police Officer 2 Donard Pitogo of the Balamban Police said the two were riding a motorcycle from Barangay Liki to Balamban proper when shot by unknown assailants in Barangay Vito.

Residents in the area saw the victims already on the ground, unconscious.

Jason was declared “dead on arrival” at the  Balamban District Hospital.

Investigators led by SPO1 Jose Ranelito Villarino recovered 12 empty shells of a caliber .45 and .9mm pistols, as well as three live ammos of a caliber .9mm, from the crime scene. A piece of metal believed to be from the firearm of the suspects was also recovered.

Aside from these, a book that Fuentes owns, which contains the nicknames of the possible assailants was also recovered.

Pitogo said it is possible that there was more than one suspect, considering that the empty shells recovered from the crime scene came from two different firearms. It is also possible that the suspects were riding a motorcycle.

“Posibli nga dili lang usa ang naghimo ani kay naa may duha ka klaseng kabhang ang narekober,” he said.

“Gitaparan siguro ni sila nga gibirahan dayon… posibli nga duha ni kabuok ang angkas maoy nitira nya gitiwasan sa driver dayong sibat,” he added.

Initial investigation reportedly revealed that some residents in Barangay Liki are not happy with the victims because they would just let their animals graze on the plants of their neighbors.

“Strikto man kuno ni sila…  ang mga silingan sa farm kay nasuko ni nila kay buhian ra man nila ilang hayopan, naa mann ni silay baka ug kanding, nya pangan-on ang tanom sa silingan,” Pitogo said. (FREEMAN)