Teen shot dead, companion injured in Bacolod

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Police are investigating whether the shooting that killed a teenager and injured his companion in front of a shopping mall in Barangay 9 on Thursday is linked to the victims’ alleged involvement in robbery and holdup incidents.

Killed in the attack was “Christian,” 18, of Barangay 6.

His companion, who was driving the motorcycle, was identified only as “Nognog.”

Police Col. Eugene Rebadomia, officer in charge of the Bacolod City Police Office, said the incident was initially reported as a traffic accident.

However, he said verification showed it was a shooting.

Investigators said the victims had stopped at a traffic light when an unidentified person suddenly attacked them.

Bystanders initially thought it was an accident, police said.

Police said both victims sustained gunshot wounds to the head.

Christian died minutes later at a hospital, while his companion underwent surgery and remains under observation.

Police recovered two .38-caliber revolvers from the victims.

Police also recovered four spent shell casings believed to be from a .45-caliber firearm at the scene.

Rebadomia said gunshots may have sounded faint because many vehicles were passing at the time.

Some bystanders said they heard gunshots but did not see the perpetrator, he added.

“We are taking this incident seriously. We will not tolerate this kind of violence in the city,” said Rebadomia, who was recently appointed as officer in charge.

He said police are backtracking and profiling the victims, including checking whether they have existing arrest warrants.

Initial findings showed they may have been involved in a series of robbery and holdup incidents in the city, he said.

“There is a possibility that they were involved in holdup incidents, such as the “tuktuk kalawit” modus, where suspects flag down tricycles and threaten drivers at gunpoint to steal their phones,” he said.

Authorities are also investigating whether the incident is linked to illegal drugs.

Police are checking the victims’ motorcycle to determine whether it was stolen or owned by them.

Authorities have persons of interest but refused to provide details while the investigation is ongoing.