19-year old social worker shot dead in front of mother, family begs for justice

A 19-year old volunteer social worker in Caloocan City was shot dead in front of his mother in North Caloocan, according to Emil Sumangil’s exclusive report on 24 Oras.

At around 10 p.m. on February 15, volunteer social worker Mark Anthony Adobas was with his mother in their living room when the incident occurred.

“Biglang may pumutok, akala ko, TV na sumabog. pagtingin ko kumislap, tumakbo si Anthony sakin, (na sumigaw ng) ‘Mama!’ Yun pala may tama na siya dito. Tumakbo kami palabas sa may pinto, pag ganyan ko, binaril na niya yung anak ko. Doon niya pinuruhan sa labas,” said the victim’s mother “Virgie.”

(There was a loud noise, I thought the TV exploded. I saw a flash, Anthony ran towards me and he shouted, “Mama!” It turned out he was already shot. We ran towards the door, as I moved the suspect shot my son. He finished off my son outside.)

Based on his death certificate, Adobas sustained gunshot wounds in the face and body.

Although there is no CCTV footageoft the crime scene, the suspect was seen arriving on a motorcycle driven by another suspect, entering the house and leaving onboard the motorcyle.

The gunman was immediately arrested a few hours later and was learned he was previously jailed due to illegal drugs.

“Wala naman kasalanan yung anak ko, papatayin na lang nila ng ganon. Mabait na bata yan, matulungin,” said the victim’s father, “Eduard.”

(My son didn’t do anything wrong for him to be killed like that. He was a good person who helped people.)

The suspect denied the crime, claiming he was in his house when the incident happened.

“Wala po. Nasa bahay lang po ako noon,” he said.

(It wasn’t me. I was at my house when it happened.)

“Itinuro nila yung bumaril sa rogue’s gallery. Noong nahuli namin, tinawag namin ang witness, positively inidentify. May kaso na dati violation 9165,” said Police Major Valmark Funelas.

(They pointed out the shooter from the rogue’s gallery. After we arrested him, we called the witness who positively identified him. He had a case of violating [Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 20020]).

The police said investigation revealed money as the motive behind the killing.

“Accordingly sa kaanak ng biktima, may utang sila na… kalahati lang ang nabayaran. Nagbanta ang suspek, pumunta sa bahay, nagbanta, at pag hindi nagbayad, may mangyayari na masama,” Funelas said.

(The victim’s relatives said they owe money…  they only managed to pay half. The suspect went to their house and threatened them. If they couldn’t settle what they owe something bad would happen.)

The victim’s family said that even after the shooting, they were still being harassed by threats through text messages. Out of fear, they decided to move out of their house.

“Natatakot kami dun sa mga taong umaali-aligid samin kasi may driver pa, hindi pa nahuhuli. Isa pa lang nahuhuli nila,” Eduard said.

(We were afraid of the people moving outside the house, they even had a driver and are at large. Only one man has been arrested.)

“Nagmamaka-awa kami, na matulungan ninyo na mahanap sana yung mga salarin na ganyan. Sobra ginawa nila sa anak ko,” Virgie added.

(We are begging for your help to find the other suspects. What they did to my son was just too much.)

Police said they are still searching for the mastermind behind Anthony’s death while making sure his family remains safe.—Sherylin Untalan/RF, GMA Integrated News