TACLOBAN CITY– A young person with a disability was shot dead Saturday evening, March 7, while trying to protect friends from harassment in Barangay 95, Caibaan.
The victim, identified as alias “Eson,” 18, a person with a speech and language impairment from Barangay 96, was declared dead on arrival at Tacloban City Hospital after sustaining a gunshot wound to the chest.
Police said the suspect, alias “Mamar,” 19, an out-of-school youth from Barangay 95, allegedly shot Eson during a confrontation over the harassment incident.
According to Police Station 1 of the Tacloban City Police Office (TCPO), witnesses said Eson stepped in to help his friends when the suspect suddenly drew an improvised firearm and fired. Despite running to seek help from bystanders, Eson succumbed to his injury.
A follow-up police operation led to the arrest of Mamar in Barangay 95-A, Caibaan. The firearm used in the attack has not yet been recovered. Formal charges are being prepared, and the suspect remains in police custody pending proper disposition.
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and are coordinating with witnesses to gather further evidence.
(ROBERT DEJON)
