A 25-year-old bachelor's skull was hit by a bullet after being shot by a debtor on Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 6:12 PM in Sitio Kamansihan, Barangay Guadalupe, Carcar City.
Victim and Suspect
The victim, Welky Barangan, a resident of the area, was taken to a hospital in Carcar after suffering a head wound. As of writing, the suspect, Gilbert Espina, alias Nygel, 38, single, a former construction worker and resident of Barangay Guadalupe, Carcar City, remains at large.
Incident Details
Police Master Sgt. Japhet Saavedra, investigator of the Carcar City Police Station, told Superbalita Cebu that before the crime, the victim had demanded payment of a debt of P3,000 that Espina had owed for over a year. However, the suspect, who was drinking alcohol at the time, allegedly did not agree. Angered, the victim left.
When Barangan went to buy cigarettes, he noticed the drunk suspect approaching. As they met, Espina drew a gun and fired. Barangan managed to deflect the suspect's hand, causing the bullet to graze his skull instead of hitting its intended target. The suspect fled while the victim was rushed to the hospital.
Saavedra said the victim was known to joke around when collecting debts, which might have angered the suspect. He added, “The suspect is also known to drink heavily in the area. When he earns money, he doesn't remember to pay his debt, so when they meet, the victim jokes about it.”
