CEBU CITY – A couple was fatally shot by their neighbors during a drinking session in Barangay Sacsac, Pinamungajan town, Cebu on Tuesday night, February 6.

Police identified the victims as Artemio Hernani Traya, 48, and his 47-year-old wife Sarlina.

Initial investigation said that Artemio invited the suspects, Arnold Ignario and his nephew Arjie Baron, to his house for a drinking session.

Chyra, the victims’ 22-year-old daughter, and her liver-in partner, Charlie Candelasa, 25, later on asked his father and his friends to end their drinking session as it was already late and disturbing their neighbors.

Arnold and Arjie were offended by the reprimand, triggering an argument before the suspects drew firearms and started shooting.

Artemio and Sarlina were wounded and taken to a hospital where they were declared dead. Chyra was also wounded while Charlie was unharmed.

Ignario and Baron fled but were arrested in a follow-up operation.

In an interview with radio station XFM-Cebu, Ignario denied starting trouble.

Ignario admitted that they were asked to lower the volume of their music as it was already late.

“I told Artemio that it was up to him if he was going to lower the volume of the music because it was their house. He got mad. He misunderstood what I said,” Ignario said in Cebuano.

Ignario said while they were arguing, Artemio took a .45 caliber pistol, prompting him to grapple for the gun until he was able to overpower the victim and seize the weapon from him.

The suspect admitted shooting the couple and their daughter but claimed the act was in self-defense. “I was hit with a piece of wood during the commotion,” said Ignario.

Baron denied involvement in the shooting, saying he even tried to pacify Artemio and Ignario. He also said he was forced to run when shots were fired for fear that he would be hit.

Ignario showed remorse after the tragic incident. “Sorry to my wife and sorry also to the family of Artemio. Since it already happened, I’ll just face the consequences,” Ignario said.