Love triangle eyed in Pardo shooting

Police are looking into a case of a possible love triangle as motive behind the shooting of a woman in Barangay Poblacion Pardo, Cebu City, past 10 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024.

Crissandra Jane “Kisses” Fernandez, 20, a resident of the said barangay, sustained gunshot wounds, while a 16-year-old boy, who tried to help Fernandez, was also hit in his leg.

According to Inayawan Police Chief Jeciree Basitao, they have identified the shooter as a certain “Makmak,” who after the crime immediately left the scene onboard a motorcycle driven by his companion.

Basitao clarified previous reports tagging a certain "Marvin" as a suspect. The police said that "Makmak" and "Marvin" are siblings, and the latter is already in police custody for another crime or violation he committed.

Further, Basitao said they believe a love triangle is the motive behind the shooting, adding that the suspect was furious with Fernandez after knowing that she had a relationship with his girlfriend.

Fernandez allegedly kept on pestering the suspect's girlfriend, which ignited his jealousy.

"Kung makita nato sa nag-viral nga video, naa gyud siya'y intention mopatay. So didto nato nakita mura'g nahu'g siya nga crime of passion," Basitao said, referring to a CCTV footage showing the crime, which has gone viral online.

Based on the footage, Fernandez boarded a tricycle when Makmak came out from a corner and repeatedly shot at the victim before he rode off on a motorcycle.

According to Fernandez, she went out of the house believing her girlfriend was waiting for her outside. However, the suspect fired at her instead.

According to Basitao, the suspect has been threatening the victim.

"Giingnan na pud ni si victim nga mura'g undang na na, pero sige man gihapon ni'ng gukod-gukod, samoksamok aning uyab aning suspect. And actually, before the incident happened, naa gyu'y nakakita kauban ra pud aning atong victim, mao to nikuan sya, unya ana ka. Ana ka (patay ka)," Basitao narrated to the media while mimicking the 'throat slash' gesture, which the suspect allegedly showed the victim.

Basitao stated that the suspect was previously arrested for violations of illegal drugs and robbery, while the victim also has police records for illegal drugs.

Basitao said that the two victims are no longer in danger at the hospital after undergoing operation.