TWO of three suspects in the fatal shooting of a 17-year-old boy in Cebu City last Thursday, June 5, 2025 have been arrested by police.
Richard Olango Dalman and Rhomel Bellita, alias “Tukmol,” were arrested by elements of the Inayawan Police Station at 8 a.m. on Sunday, June 8, in Barangay Kinasang-an.
Authorities are still looking for the third suspect, Anecito Caballero Ebrado, alias “Junior,” who remains at large.
Dalman, Bellita and Ebrado are believed to have killed Jesriel Rosende Oltiano, 17, who was shot dead at 6:20 p.m. on Thursday, in Sitio Exoville, Barangay Basak Pardo.
Wrong victim
Investigators said the suspects intended to target Emerilio Nioe Gemarino, alias “Ating,” 43, a resident of the same area.
Gemarino, a known drug personality, was arrested on June 5 and is currently detained at the Inayawan Police Station.
An improvised firearm, locally known as ‘pugakhang’ and three 12-gauge shotgun shells were recovered from his possession.
Gemarino’s arrest provided authorities with leads on the attempt on his life, which resulted in the death of the teenager, as he identified the three suspects as the shooters.
Police said last month, Gemarino survived another shooting, sustaining only a graze wound on his arm.
After a tipster disclosed the whereabouts of Dalman and Bellita, the Inayawan police launched a hot pursuit operation which led to their immediate arrest.
An intelligence officer from the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), who requested anonymity, said all three suspects are drug personalities listed as high-value targets of the Philippine National Police. They are allegedly affiliated with the Nadera drug and gun-for-hire group.
CCPO Director Col. Enrico Figueroa commended the Inayawan Police Station for its swift response and relentless efforts in apprehending the suspects.
He also ordered intensified operations to capture Ebrado, who is believed to be hiding in Kinasang-an, Pardo.
The Inayawan Police Station is preparing a homicide charge against the suspects. / AYB, GPL