DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Police officials formed a task force to probe the shooting incident that killed two minors in Kiblawan, Davao del Sur over the weekend.
Police said two high school students were killed while seven were injured when armed men fired on a government-owned truck in Sitio Quarry in Barangay Kimlawis, a village 91 kilometers away from Davao City.
One of the casualties identified as Jimboy Linkanay, 16, was killed on the spot while Neilbert Malason died at the Southern Philippines Medical Center here due to gunshots.
Davao Today could not immediately determine Malason’s age, but like Linkanay, he was also a high school student.
Acting Commander of the Kiblawan Municipal Police Station, Senior Inspector Erich Von Requilman said “sometime in October 19 or (October) 20, there was a rumor that went around that they will kill someone who live in Kimlawis during the Halloween season.”
Police said 40 students were on their way to Kiblawan Gym for a street dancing event during the Damsu Festival, a thanksgiving celebration and recognition of various tribes in the municipality.
Requilman said they recovered 9 empty shells from a caliber .30 Garand rifle, three empty shells from a caliber .30 Carbine rifle.
He said the armed men hid behind trees and “positioned themselves in the left side of the road going to Barangay Kimlawis proper.” The police official also said suspects withdrew towards the creek where they found foot prints.
Mayor Carl Jason Rama said they will help the victims in shouldering the expenses and vowed full cooperation with the police authorities.
“We assure with the families of the victims that we are working closely with the (Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police) and law enforcement authorities to bring to justice the perpetrators of this senseless and atrocious act,” he said. (davaotoday.com)
