Kin of men killed in Cebu ambush cry for justice

The bereaved families of the five men killed in an ambush in Barangay Malubog, Cebu City, last week are seeking justice for the deaths of their loved ones.

In an Unang Balita report by James Agustin on Monday, Luzviminda Cabahug insisted that her 20-year-old grandson Carl Cabahug was not involved in illegal drugs as alleged by police investigators.

"Bakit naman ginanyan ang apo ko... Ano man 'yan, 20 years na. Bakit pinatay? Sana kinulong na lang," she said.

"Sana President Duterte 'yung ganyang nangyari sa apo ko sana 'di ulitin sa iba. Sana pagsabihan mo 'yung mga pulis na hindi patayin kaagad," she added.

Initial reports said the ambush may be drug-related as shabu and handguns were found in the possession of the victims, including Carl.

Meanwhile, the family of another victim, Rolando Tayor, described the killing as "brutal." His relatives admitted that he was using illegal drugs, although that does not justify his murder.

Emily, mother of Lester Abella, also said her son was not linked to the illegal drug trade.

"Bakit pinatay nila? Sana inano na lang nila... pinreso na lang, huwag pinatay. Para namang baboy," Emily said.

The widow of Christopher Tangac also wants justice for her 23-year-old husband: "Kailangan po namin ng hustisya... hustisya lang po para sa asawa ko."

She said her husband only works as a call center agent.

Two of the survivors have claimed that the perpetrators of the crime introduced themselves as policemen, although the police have denied this.

One of the survivors is now in the custody of the Archdiocese of Cebu for protection.  —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK/KG, GMA News