Nine-year-old boy hurt after being shot by playmate's father in Navotas
By Hannah Nicol
A nine-year-old boy was injured after being shot by his playmate’s father in Navotas City on Feb.12.
According to the Navotas City Police Station (NCPS), the incident occurred at around 6:30 p.m. along Palengke Avenue, Market 3, Barangay North Boulevard Bay North (NBBN), Navotas City.
Police identified the suspect as Aljhun Vasquez, 31, who was arrested, while his two accomplices, JB Villanueva and Albert Vasquez, remain at large.
The incident began when three children got into an argument, which escalated into a physical fight involving punches and kicks.
One of the boys went home and told his father, who then gathered his friends to retaliate.
Vasquez and his companions tracked down the children at Palengke Avenue and confronted them.
During the confrontation, Vasquez suddenly pulled out a gun and aimed it at one of the boys.
A witness stated that the firearm was pointed at his head, but he managed to duck just as the gun discharged, hitting the 9-year-old victim in the chest.
The victim was immediately rushed to the hospital, while police launched a manhunt operation for the three suspects.
Authorities later arrested Vasquez at his home after he was identified by the child he initially threatened.
The suspect will face charges of frustrated murder and violation of Republic Act 7610, the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act, while his two accomplices remain at large.