Alleged thief killed, teen wounded in Bacolod shootings

BACOLOD CITY –  A man reputed as a notorious thief was fatally shot, while a teenager was injured in separate shootings last Sunday.

At Purok Lampirong, Barangay 2, around 8 p.m., 26-year-old Benjoe San Jose was gunned down inside an internet cafe.

Police Captain Glenn Montaño, head of Police Station 2, reported that prior to the attack, three unidentified individuals instructed the children present to exit the premises.

Montaño stated that San Jose sustained two gunshot wounds to the head and back and was declared dead shortly after at the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital.

At the scene, officers found four .45 caliber bullets.

According to Montaño, San Jose, who had a history of arrests and unresolved robbery complaints, had been threatened and advised to leave the area.

Montaño suggested the shooting could stem from retaliation or drug-related issues, adding, “Dako gid ni atraso niya,” implying a significant grudge against him.

Elsewhere, a confrontation in Barangay Villamonte led to a 17-year-old student being shot in the arm but is now recovering.

Police Captain Francis Depasucat identified the victim as the son of a university director and reported the arrest of two suspects employed as caretakers in the locality.

With the case still under investigation, a family dispute is suspected to be the motive.

Depasucat also revealed the execution of an outstanding murder warrant for one of the apprehended individuals, Tony Edem, labeled as Candoni town’s most wanted person.

Charges are being prepared against both suspects under Republic Act 7610, which protects children against abuse and exploitation.