Man hurt in shootout with cops

CEBU, Philippines — A man was shot while his older brother was wounded after he allegedly exchanged gunfire with police following a hostage-taking incident in Barangay Tayud, Consolacion, Cebu, at around 8 a.m.

The victim was identified as Ricky Brigoli, 38, while the suspect was identified as Marlon Brigoli, 44, both are residents of Purok Zenia 1, Sitio Sun-ok, Barangay Tayud.

Police said they responded to a report about an armed man in the area. When officers arrived, they found Ricky Brigoli who had been shot.

Ricky then told police where Marlon had gone. Officers chased the suspect, who allegedly fired at them, triggering a shootout. Marlon was hit in the leg during the encounter.

Recovered from the suspect was a .22 cal. Black Widow revolver loaded with two spent cartridges and three live rounds.

Ricky was rushed to Mendero Hospital for treatment, while Marlon was taken to the Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital, where he remains under police guard.

A video taken during the incident showed the suspect holding the revolver and a large rock while the wounded victim repeatedly begged him to calm down.

In an interview, one of the suspect’s nephews recalled the fear he experienced after he was allegedly taken hostage by Marlon.

“Una niyang abot dili pa siya aggressive, pagka-duha niya’g balik aggressive naman. Lahi naman, isog naman kaayo siya’g mata,” he said.

“Lahi naman iyang nawng di naman maporma, murag desperado naman kaayo siya mamusil,” he added.

Meanwhile, the suspect’s sibling, identified only as Len, alleged that Marlon had long been using illegal drugs and would allegedly lose control of himself after using them.

Len claimed the incident stemmed from Marlon’s search for his live-in partner, whom he believed had left him for another man. After learning that she was not at their house, the suspect allegedly became aggressive, pulled out his firearm, and took his nephews hostage.

Len also alleged that Marlon had attempted to take his live-in partner hostage in Sogod just last week but fled before responding police officers could arrest him.

The family said they will pursue charges against the suspect over the incident.

Authorities are continuing their investigation and are preparing the appropriate charges against the suspect. — (FREEMAN)