Two men shot down in Tejero

TWO men were shot dead by unidentified perpetrators in S. Osmeña Boulevard, barangay Tejero, Cebu City, Sunday afternoon.

Francisco Bencila, 25, and a certain Gardo from Segbayan, Bohol, died at the scene.

Police initial investigation revealed that the victims were walking along the street with three other friends when two men on board a motorcycle fired at them.

Police said Bencila ran to nearby A.S. Baclit Street while the killers were busy shooting Gardo. But the men ran after him and shot him in different parts of his body.

After making sure that Bencila was dead, the men returned to Gardo, who was lying on the ground, and shot him again several times.

A gold earring was recovered from Gardo’s right hand. The victims were brought to the Rolling Hills funeral home for autopsy.

Seven empty shells of .45 pistol and one slug were recovered from the scene.

PO2 Julius Tradio of Tejero police station said no witnesses surfaced yet. He said that even a security guard detailed nearby didn’t see the killers.

Cebu City Intelligence Branch head Insp. Romeo Santander said it is possible that it was a case of vigilante killing.

“We’re still validating the background of the two people (victims),” he said.

He explained that Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and Police Regional Director Marcelo Garbo are against the vigilante process.

“PNP (Philippine National Olice) does not tolerate that process. Crimes are everywhere. We are urging the public to cooperate. Punlic aprticipation is important. We will focus towards peace and order, “Santander said. correspondent rhea ruth rossel with reporter jucell marie cuyos