A 15-YEAR-OLD alleged gun-for-hire was rescued by personnel of the Mambaling Police Station during a manhunt operation in Barangay Mantalongon, Dalaguete at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025.
The minor, Red (real name withheld), is a resident of Sitio Riverside, Barangay Duljo Fatima, Cebu City.
He was identified as the suspect who shot 44-year-old victim at dawn on Sunday, Feb. 2.
The latest reports indicate that the victim remains in critical condition after sustaining a gunshot wound to the head.
Initial investigation revealed that Red hid in Dalaguete town, where his relative lives. A tip led authorities to his relative’s house, where they found the minor.
His relative was reportedly unaware of the shooting incident.
Authorities suspect that Red shot his neighbor due to a connection with the illegal drug trade.
Authorities said Red has a boss, allegedly a drug lord, who orders him to carry out tasks when needed.
The suspect refused to disclose the identity of his boss or how much he was paid to shoot his victim.
The same minor is also believed to have been involved in the killing of another woman in Barangay Mambaling, who was shot dead in December 2024.
Meanwhile, the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) is further investigating Red’s case.
Lt. Col. Maria Theresa Macatangay, deputy city director for operations at the CCPO, said that the minor is currently undergoing processing by the Department of Social Welfare and Development 7.
She denied the existence of an active gun-for-hire group in Cebu City.
However, Macatangay said the young suspect is indeed involved in illegal drugs and should undergo drug rehabilitation.
“It’s unfortunate that he is already involved in illegal drugs at such a young age. Hopefully, things turn around for him. But it’s even more unfortunate for the family that has been victimized by this child,” Macatangay said. / GPL, AYB