Police probe ‘attack’ on gays
CEBU City police are investigating a series of drive-by shootings that target homosexuals on the street.
At least three incidents were reported since Saturday night involving a group of unidentified car-riding men who used air guns that fire pellets instead of slugs.
A certain Jeffrey said he was talking to another homosexual outside a subdivision in barangay Tisa, Cebu City, last Saturday night when a white car with no plate number stopped in front of them.
The car window opened slightly before they were shot with an airsoft gun.
Jeffrey said he and his companion sustained wounds in the back. The two ran to the Punta Princesa police station to report the assault.
Earlier that night, the same incident was reported at the Fuente police station.
Ramil Hitoro said he and his friends were walking along Mango Avenue when they were also shot in the legs.
In a Facebook group page of transgenders, several gays have shared the same experience through the blog page of the Philippine Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, and Transgenders (LGBT) Crime Watch.
One victim said he was having supper with friends when he was shot several times with a pellet gun.
He said the series of attacks could be a form of “hate crimes” against gays.
“Ako ra gyung mensahe nila no, kung naay bayot nga nakapasakit ninyo, ayaw mi ninyo apila. Atubanga ang inyong gikaaway. Wa man mi gibuhat ninyo, ” he said.
Senior Insp. Isagani Pugoy, chief of the Fuente police, said they are stil investigating the case.
Police aprehended some persons driving a car with no plate number but they were not identified by the victims.
