A 30-YEAR-OLD man was shot in a fit of jealous rage in Barangay Canamucan, Compostela town, northern Cebu at 5:20 p.m. Wednesday, February 8, 2023.
Marvin Añasco Ochea, the victim, single and resident of Canamucan, was hit in the back of the head and is currently receiving treatment at the Danao City District Hospital.
The suspect identified as Regie Chances Cuesta, 25, a resident of Barangay Cogon, Compostela, allegedly became enraged with the victim after knowing that he was dating his live-in partner Jenith Bobo Ruta.
Compostela Police Station Chief Captain Andrew Rellanos said in an interview with SunStar Cebu that love triangle was the motive in the crime.
Rellanos said the victim was walking along the roadside on his way home when the suspect, who was waiting for him, shot him in the head.
The victim managed to run and shout for help, while the suspect fled.
According to Ruta, the suspect could not accept that she had a relationship with the victim.
"Suko kaayo siya dili makatugot, kay upat na sila katuig nagtipon ilogan sa biktima! Mibahad nga patyon ang biktima sa dili pa ang Valentine's day," Rellanos said.
(He was very angry and could not allow it to happen because they had been together for four years. He promised to kill the victim before Valentine's Day.)
Ruta even said that her live-in partner sold his cellphone and used the money to buy a gun.
She added that she warned the suspect but he persisted in carrying out his plan.
Ruta said that she and Ochea became friends because the latter was a regular patron of her barbecue business.
She added their relationship was cut short after the suspect threatened the victim.
"Nag-ilog sila sa babaye. Kumpiyansa ning biktima bisan gibaharan nagsige gihapon papabantang nawili sa puti nga paa napusilan," Rellanos said.
(They were pursuing the woman. Due to the girl's white legs, the victim did not take the situation seriously and was shot.)
The police are now preparing the frustrated murder charges that will be filed against the suspect. (GPL/TPT)