A woman was killed while her companion remained in critical condition following a shooting in a remote area of Barangay Tubigan, Initao, Misamis Oriental on Monday, police said.
Authorities said a resident discovered the lifeless body of one of the victims in Purok 5, Sitio Bunutan, while tending to a goat in a grassy, isolated part of the barangay. The second victim reportedly managed to escape despite a gunshot wound to the neck and reached the neighboring town of Libertad, where she sought help.
Police Major Ronnie Continedo Jr., chief of the Initao Municipal Police Station, said the dead victim has been initially identified, but confirmation from her family is still pending. The victim was believed to be from Cagayan de Oro City and was estimated to be between 25 and 30 years old. She was wearing yellow shorts, a black blouse, black socks and black-and-white slippers when found.
Initial examination by Scene of the Crime Operatives showed the victim sustained a gunshot wound to the left side of the head, which caused her death. The surviving victim suffered a neck wound and remains under medical treatment in critical condition at a hospital.
Investigators recovered two fired cartridges at the crime scene believed to have come from the firearm used in the attack. A paraffin test was also conducted on the deceased to determine whether she had fired a gun.
Police said it is possible the victims were brought to the area where the shooting occurred, as residents in the barangay did not recognize them. Authorities continue a wide investigation and are awaiting the survivor’s recovery to help identify and arrest those responsible. Miles Ramos | BNFM Cagayan de Oro
