Nilo : “4 suspects arrested in fatal Liloan shooting”

Four of the five suspects behind the shooting of a group of minors at a convenience store in Barangay Yati, Liloan town, northern Cebu, early on Thursday morning, May 9, have been arrested. | Contributed photo via Emmariel Ares

CEBU CITY, Philippines – In a significant development, four suspects linked to the shooting of minors at a convenience store in Barangay Yati, Liloan town, northern Cebu, on Thursday morning, May 9, have been apprehended.

The individuals in custody have been identified as “Nilo,” 18; “Makmak,” 21; and twins referred to as “B1” and “B2,” aged 34.

Authorities have revealed that these suspects are believed to be affiliated with the “Bloods” gang, known rivals of the victims’ gang, the “Crips.”

Arrest Details

Police Major Eric Gingoyon, chief of Liloan Police Station, provided insights into the arrests of the suspects during hot-pursuit operations conducted on Thursday and Friday.

The initial suspect, “Nilo,” was apprehended around 11:30 p.m. on Thursday in Barangay Looc, Danao City, northern Cebu. He was positively identified by an eyewitness as one of the perpetrators and subsequently assisted in the capture of the other suspects.

The twins, “B1” and “B2,” were taken into custody in Barangay Jagobiao, Mandaue City, at 2:00 a.m. on Friday. Both are suspected of involvement in the shooting incident.

The fourth suspect, “Makmak,” 21, was arrested in Barangay Calero, Liloan, around 4:30 a.m. on Friday.

At present, one suspect known as “Ugoy” remains at large.

Background of the Incident

Gingoyon shed light on the motives behind the shooting, citing a personal grudge and gang conflict as the catalysts that led to the tragic event, resulting in the death of a 16-year-old girl and the injury of two other minors.

The genesis of the grudge dates back to a physical altercation between the “Bloods” and “Crips” gangs in Liloan on Saturday, May 4. During the altercation, a member of the “Bloods” allegedly stabbed the boyfriend of the deceased girl.

Subsequently, on Wednesday, May 8, the rival gangs clashed near a convenience store in Barangay Maguikay, Mandaue City. Members of the “Crips” then relocated to a convenience store in Barangay Yati, Liloan, unaware of being trailed by their adversaries.

Upon arrival at the scene, the rival gang launched an attack on the “Crips” members who were on motorcycles, leading to a violent exchange of gunfire. Messages exchanged between the suspects revealed a premeditated plan to target the individual responsible for stabbing their comrade.

Tragically, the intended target escaped unscathed, while his girlfriend fell victim to two fatal gunshot wounds to the chest. Two additional victims are currently receiving medical treatment for their injuries.

While two suspects deny their involvement in the incident, the other two have reportedly confessed to their roles. Police recovered 18 empty shells, 4 slugs, and a .9mm caliber pistol from the crime scene, which will undergo ballistics examination.

The apprehended suspects are presently detained at the Liloan Police Station, facing charges of murder, frustrated murder, attempted murder, and potentially illegal possession of firearms. Authorities continue their search for the fugitive suspect known as Ugoy.

These developments underscore the gravity of gang-related violence and the importance of swift law enforcement action in maintaining public safety and order. The apprehension of these suspects is a significant step towards ensuring justice for the victims and their families.

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