Pubdate: Fri, 01 Apr 2005
Source: Manila Bulletin (The Philippines)
Contact:  http://www.mb.com.ph/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/906
Author: Mars Mosqueda Jr.
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Summary+Execution
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Philippines

MAN DIES PROTECTING HIS WIFE

CEBU CITY - A 24-year-old scavenger died of bullet wounds after he
used his body to shield his pregnant wife from a hail of bullets when
a gunman opened fire at their shanty in barangay Inayawan here.

Fhely Candido, 24, covered the body of his live-in partner when he
heard gunshots outside their shanty near the dumpsite. Candido
suffered multiple wounds in the body. Four empty shells of .45 caliber
bullets were found near the shanty.

The victim's partner who is expected to give birth next month said
Fhely was first hit in the foot, but the assailant fired more shots
that finished him off. The victim's partner told police that Fhely
tried to stand up to see who was shooting them but he dove and covered
her with his body when he heard more gunshots. Inspector Mario Monilar
of the city police's homicide section dismissed the possibility of
vigilante killing, saying that the probers are focusing on the drug
angle.

Monilar said the victim's relatives told the police that the victim
was using prohibited drugs. They were also checking reports that the
victim used to be a runner of illegal drugs when he was still living
in barangay Pasil. Candido's brother named a certain Gino is the only
man who had been seen arguing with the victim. However, he didn't know
what they were arguing about. 
- ---