(Update 3: 6:31 p.m.)
By Rhea Ruth Rosell, Correspondent
Two persons were killed and six others were injured during a variety show held in barangay Tamiao, Compostela town shortly before 10 p.m. yesterday.
Police identified one of the fatalities as 46-year-old Marito Yraola, husband of Tamiao barangay captain Lilia. They said Marito, who was shot twice on the back of the head, was the target of the assailants.
The gunmen went on a rampage, shooting six other residents as the crowd of about 200 scampered for safety.
A neighbor, Marilou Mahinay was shot in the chest while Yraula’s 22 year old daughter Marian was also injured.
Other victims include Tamiao barangay councilor Laila Talingting who sustained a grazed wound on the back, 39-year-old Jaime Pateño, 13 year old Crystelle Antogop, 12 year old Riziel Anadia and Joey delos Reyes.
Pateño was later brought to the intensive care unit of the hospital.
All victims were brought to Chong Hua hospital. Police said they are looking into business or political rivalry as the motive of the shooting.
Marito, a businessman engaged in the construction business lost in his bid for municipal councilor under the camp of Ritchie Wagas.
One of the suspects identified as Basilides Ponce was caught by residents after being spotted while trying to escape in neighboring barangay Estaca.
Witnesses pointed to Ponce, a resident of Danao City as the alleged gunman since he was spotted roaming the area prior to the shooting.
Recovered from Ponce’s possession were one .22 magnum with several bullets and a runaway motorcycle. Ponce denied the accusations. He is now detained at the Compostela police precinct.
Posted on April 24, 2012
0