A shooting near a school in Barangay Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City, prompted a police response and later class suspensions after threatening messages spread among parents.
The incident happened Wednesday night, Aug. 19. Officers from Mambaling Police Station 11 arrested a 21-year-old painter identified only by the alias “Adrian.”
Police said the intended victim, identified by the alias “Jo,” was waiting for a friend who studied at a nearby school when the suspect opened fire. The victim was not hit, and officers quickly caught the suspect.
Police recovered a .38-caliber revolver, three live rounds and one spent casing from the suspect.
In an interview with Brigada News FM Cebu, Chief Tanod Oliver Cabaluna said the suspect had long been known in the community as a troublemaker.
The suspect admitted firing the gun. He claimed he acted in retaliation after “Jo” allegedly stabbed his 14-year-old cousin. He said he regretted what happened but would not apologize to the victim.
The following day, Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak said there were no face-to-face classes at Don Vicente Rama High School and Don Vicente Rama Elementary School after messages circulated claiming the schools would be the next targets.
The messages alarmed parents, and many kept their children at home.
Authorities continue to investigate both the shooting and the threatening messages that circulated after the incident.
