Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Store worker shot dead in heist
A GRILL store worker was shot and killed in a robbery in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City last Sunday night.
The victim was identified as Ruel Y. Absin, 19, a native of Guihulngan, Oriental Negros, and a stay-in worker of Riza’s Lechon Manok and Baboy.
He died from a gunshot wound in the chest minutes after he was taken to the Don Vicente Gullas Hospital.
Suspect Danilo Lugod Torrenueva, 38, landed at the Cebu City Medical Center after jumping into a creek while trying to escape from responding police operatives.
Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Director Patrocinio Comendador said a complaint of robbery with homicide will be filed against Torrenueva, a security guard of Assault Security & Allied Services Inc.
According to initial information gathered by the Homicide Section, Torrenueva robbed the store because he was desperate to get money to support his gambling.
Citing Republic Act 743, which protects the rights of person under custodial investigation, Homicide Section Chief Mario Monilar said they are still waiting for Torrenueva to get a legal counsel “of his own choice” so they can interrogate him.
The incident occurred at 9 p.m. along Banilad Road.
Torrenueva allegedly pretended to buy a roasted chicken and some hanging rice locally known as “puso.”
Since the store ran out of hanging rice, Absin’s co-worker Benjie Bitoonan went to their other store a few meters away to get some.
While on his way back, Bitoonan told SPO1 Jay Yballe, Homicide Section chief investigator, that he spotted Absin running and holding his bloodied chest.
Absin was shouting: “Gitulis ko, Jie. Gipusil ko anang tawhana (I was robbed. That man shot me).”
Absin pointed to Torrenueva who was running ahead of the victim.
Bitoonan tried to waylay Torrenueva but the latter allegedly pointed a gun at him. Bitoonan ran to safety.
Torrenueva crossed the street and ran towards the Mahiga Bridge.
Absin, who suffered gunshot wounds in the chest and right wrist, was taken to Gullas Hospital but was pronounced dead minutes later.
Torrenueva was arrested in a follow-up operation conducted by Mobile Patrol Group policemen composed of Insp. Rex Campos, PO1 Alfredo Casas and P03 Romwin Matulac.
A loaded .38 revolver with four bullets and an empty shell and P1,650 in cash were confiscated from Torrenueva’s possession.
Campos’ team told homicide investigators that Torrenueva, upon sensing the presence of the police, allegedly tried to escape by jumping into a nearby creek. (JST)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (March 4, 2008 issue)
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