A horrific shooting on Christmas morning in Cebu City has left two siblings dead, allegedly at the hands of a neighbor who is a former convict. The suspect was arrested in a follow-up operation just hours after the tragic incident.
Christmas Morning Turned Tragic
The violent attack occurred at 7:58 AM on December 25, 2025, inside the victims' home in Sitio Buwaran, Barangay Sawang Calero, Cebu City. The victims were identified as siblings Melber Alicabo, 40, and Romel Fernandez, 36.
According to the investigation by the Sawang Calero Police Station, the suspect, Aljun "Kulot" Espina, 56, along with his nephew, suddenly entered the house. Without warning, Espina allegedly opened fire on the two siblings using a .45 caliber pistol.
Swift Manhunt Leads to Arrest
After the shooting, Espina fled the scene. The victims were rushed to the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) by personnel from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. Tragically, they were both declared dead on arrival.
Police immediately launched a manhunt. A witness who was with the suspect prior to the shooting revealed his hiding place. This critical tip led operatives to a house in Barangay Ermita, where Espina was arrested just four hours after the incident. The firearm believed to be used in the crime was also recovered.
Motive Rooted in a 15-Year-Old Grudge
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime. Police determined the motive was revenge for a past incident. Espina claimed that one of the victims had shot his brother 15 years ago, although his brother survived.
"Our sibling was still young during that feud because he shot my brother. Fortunately, he didn't die. This is our revenge on them," Espina stated.
Espina, a former detainee at the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) for illegal drug charges, had reportedly threatened to kill the siblings upon his release. He was freed just last month and had been looking for the brothers, according to neighbors.
Charges Filed and Investigation Continues
The police are preparing to file a double murder case against Aljun Espina. The recovered firearm will undergo ballistic examination to determine if it was used in other shooting incidents.
Authorities are still searching for Espina's nephew, who acted as a lookout during the attack. Police Lieutenant Colonel Ylanan commended the Sawang Calero Police Station for their swift resolution of the case and promised that the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) would give them due recognition.
