By Jennifer P. Rendon
A three-year-old boy suffered a minor gunshot wound during a drive-by shooting on the afternoon of August 23 in Buenavista, Guimaras.
Nonoy (not his real name), a resident of Sitio Igsungay, Barangay Cansilayan, Buenavista, was with his mother when a gunman opened fire at a laundry shop in Barangay Supang around 4:40 p.m. last Friday.
Nonoy’s mother, 31-year-old Lelanie, told police investigators that they were inside the Neomatrix Laundry Shop when they heard successive gunshots.
Witnesses reported that the gunman was in a white sports utility vehicle (SUV).
Seconds later, Lelanie noticed that her son had sustained a graze wound on his right buttock.
He was immediately taken to Dr. Catalino Gallego Nava Provincial Hospital for treatment.
Colonel Rhea Santos, Guimaras police chief, confirmed that the boy is out of danger and has been released from the hospital.
Santos said they have already identified a person of interest in the incident but did not reveal the suspect’s identity pending the filing of charges on Tuesday, August 27.
Initial investigation indicated that the gunman intentionally fired at the laundry shop but did not intend to harm the boy.
“It’s more of a threat,” Santos stated.
The suspect reportedly fired at the cement floor of the shop, causing the bullet to ricochet and hit the victim.
Authorities believe the shooting may have been triggered by a recent verbal altercation between the suspect’s parents.
The suspect’s mother allegedly confronted his father about using the laundry service when they have a washing machine at home, accusing him of being interested in the shop attendant.
The couple’s fight may have angered the son, leading him to take out his frustration on the laundry shop.
According to Santos, witnesses have identified the gunman.
