CEBU CITY, Philippines — Violence erupted in Cebu City early Tuesday as two individuals were killed and three others suffered injuries in a series of three separate shooting incidents over a seven-hour period. The deadly events have prompted city authorities to boost security measures and conduct thorough investigations.
The first incident occurred shortly after midnight, where a family dispute in Barangay Lahug escalated, leading to the death of a 35-year-old man. The police have taken a relative of the deceased into custody, believing the altercation stemmed from unresolved familial conflicts.
Hours later, around 3 a.m., gunshots echoed through Barangay Mabolo, where assailants on motorcycles targeted a group of individuals standing outside a convenience store. This attack resulted in one fatality and two injuries. The deceased was a local vendor identified as a 29-year-old man. The condition of the wounded remains critical, as they are currently receiving medical attention at a nearby hospital.
The third and final shooting transpired in Barangay Kamputhaw, around 7 a.m., where a lone gunman injured a street food vendor. The victim, who was preparing his stall for the day, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment. Authorities are investigating the motive behind this attack and are searching for the gunman, who fled the scene.
Local police are investigating whether these incidents are connected or isolated. Initial reports suggest that the shootings in Barangay Lahug and Mabolo might have stemmed from personal disputes, whereas the motive behind the Kamputhaw shooting remains unclear.
Cebu City Mayor Edgar Labella expressed his condemnation of the violence and extended his condolences to the families of the victims. “We are deeply concerned about these shootings and are taking every step to ensure the safety of our citizens,” Labella stated. He also mentioned that additional police patrols and checkpoints have been instituted across the city to prevent further incidents.
Community leaders and residents have voiced their alarm over the surge of violence, which has disrupted the peace and safety of their communities. In response, local officials and law enforcement are engaging in dialogues with the community to bolster neighborhood watch programs and enhance surveillance measures.
Five suspects have been identified in relation to these incidents, according to the city police spokesperson. Efforts to apprehend these individuals are ongoing, with police urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in their investigations.
As the community reels from these back-to-back incidents, the resolve to restore peace and order becomes paramount. City officials, police, and community members are coming together to address the root causes of such violence and ensure a safe environment for all residents of Cebu City.