Two injured as men fire at gate of beach resort in Masbate

December 29, 2020

A 14-year old girl and nine-year old boy were injured after four suspects fired at the gate of a beach resort owned by Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) director Sandra Cam in Masbate last December 27.

Major Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Bicol police spokesperson,  said the two   were playing basketball inside  Zandra Beach Resort in Batuan town around 7:47 pm when two riding-in-tandem suspects fired towards the open gate.

The girl was hit on her feet while the boy, who is the son of one of the caretakers in the resort, was hit on the stomach.

Police recovered two pieces of fired slugs and five pieces of spent shells from a .45-caliber pistol.

The victims were immediately brought to a nearby hospital.

In a radio interview, Lt. Nestor Nasayao, Batuan police chief, said they already have a lead in the investigation.

Nasayao said the suspects were identified and police think they had no particular target as the incident was done outside.

“One of the possible motives in the shooting is to instill fear,” the police chief said.

He said Cam’s house is located inside the compound.

“We also have a copy of the CCTV footage and testimony from the witnesses” Nasayao said.

He said the children in stable condition but the girl needs to undergo an operation.

In a news report, Cam said she believed the incident was politically motivated and meant to scare the residents and her supporters.

“Political violence must be set aside and focus only on gift-giving to less fortunate kababayans,” she said.

“We are just waiting for the investigation being conducted by our police authorities. Let justice be served immediately” she added. Ella Dionisio/DMS