One dead, another critical in shootings

CEBU, Philippines - A 26-year-old man was shot dead while playing cards with his cousin Saturday afternoon in Sitio Lawis Eva, Barangay Candulawan, Talisay City.

Ronald Alfar, single and resident of the said place, succumbed to single gunshot wound in the head. He was rushed to Talisay City District Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.

None of those who were playing cards with him have identified the gunman.  Homicide investigator, SPO1 Edgar Causon, said the gunman appeared from  nowhere and shot Alfar at close range without any provocation.

The gunman was wearing a  camouflage pants,  ball cap, and big body built. After shooting the victim, he casually walked to a waiting motorcycle and sped off.

The police believe that personal grudge could be the motive behind the killing. Initial investigation shows that the victim had a verbal tussle with a certain Braci Rialis few days ago.

Causon said they have witnesses who claimed to have seen Rialis at the area when the victim was killed.

Causon however said the information is still subject to further verification.

Meanwhile, an alleged drug pusher is in critical condition after he was shot repeatedly by two men in sitio Villa Caimito, Barangay Inayawan early yesterday morning.

Clemente Ecot, 38, suffered gunshot wounds on his back and knee after he was shot by a certain Amang Villareal and an unidentified companion.

Police said the victim was eating at a nearby eatery when the assailants appeared and shot him several times. He was hit on his left knee and on his back, the bullet exiting on his stomach.

The suspects fled while the victim managed to run away and returned fire at the suspects.

The victim was rushed by his relatives to the hospital where he is currently being treated.

Police recovered nine empty shells of a caliber .45 pistol from the crime scene and five other empty shell of a caliber .357 firearm.

PO3 Leroy Baguio of the Homicide Section said they also recovered drug paraphernalia at a vacant room near the eatery which the victim allegedly utilized as a drug den.

Baguio said the victim is an illegal drug pusher, promoting them to believe that the attack was related to illegal drugs. —/FPL (FREEMAN)