Worker faces murder raps for shooting sister’s partner

CEBU, Philippines – A 25-year-old construction worker is facing murder charges for allegedly killing his sister’s live-in partner.

Camelo Caballes, a resident of Sitio Cabulacan, Barangay Banawa, chose not to answer the charges straight in court. No bail was recommended for his temporary liberty.

Caballes allegedly shot Norman Paner, the live-in partner of his younger sister, Cynthia, who also got hit when she tried to stop the accused.

Cynthia and Paner were about to sleep at their house around 9:30 pm on August 9 when the suspect arrived and shot them.

Cynthia sustained gunshot wounds in her arms while Paner succumbed to fatal gunshot wounds in his head and body. He was immediately brought to Cebu City Medical Center but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Three empty shells of a .45 caliber firearm were recovered from the crime scene.

Caballes was able to elude responding policemen but surrendered voluntarily to PO1 Emmanuelle Zafra of the Guadalupe Police in on August 10.

In his affidavit, Zafra said Caballes hid at his parents’ house after the incident and reportedly admitted shooting Paner and Cynthia. But he reportedly claimed being drunk at that time and said he did not intend to kill Paner.

Caballes was turned over to the Cebu City Police Office Homicide Section and is now detained at the Cebu City Jail.

Police investigation showed that the accused and the victim had arguments in the past over family matters. —/JMO (FREEMAN)