The pistol used by the suspect in the shooting.
A bad stare pushed an 18-year-old teenager to shoot a 21-year-old man while walking near a market in Rodriguez, Rizal on Thursday, June 19.
According to Rodriguez Rizal Police chief Lt. Col. Paul Sabulao, the victim was walking along the sidewalk when the suspect chased after him and fired shots using his pistol.
Several witnesses said that before the shooting, the victim and the suspect had argued after locking eyes with each other.
”Nagkatinginan sila ng di maganda at yung suspect eh pinagbantaan yung biktima na babarilin daw sya diumano (The two individuals allegedly looked at each other badly, prompting the suspect to threaten the victim that he would shoot him ),” Sabulao said.
Based on the police investigation, the suspect went home to get his gun after threatening the victim. He returned to the area where he last saw the victim.
Upon spotting him, the suspect fired multiple shots at the victim, hitting him on his side, while a stray bullet also hit an 18-year-old vendor in the arm.
CCTV footage near the area showed the victim collapsing on the ground as responding police officers arrived. He was able to point at the direction where the suspect fled which led to the teenager's arrest.
Arresting policemen recovered the pistol used by the suspect.
In an interview following his arrest, the suspect claimed the victim threatened to shoot him first after mistaking him for a gang member.
”Nakatitig po sya sa akin ng masama tapos pinagkamalan niya akong kasama sa gang tapos pinagbantaan niya din kasi ako na babarilin niya din ako eh kaya binalikan ko sya (He was looking at me badly and thought that I was a member of a gang. He threatened to shoot me that's why I decided to shoot him first),” the suspect said.
He is currently detained at the police custodial facility while charges of frustrated murder, frustrated homicide, and illegal possession of firearms are being prepared against him.
Meanwhile, the two victims are now in stable condition.