Ajuy man shot dead by neighbor

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A 38-year-old construction watchman died in a shooting attack early evening of March 9 in Ajuy, Iloilo.

The victim, identified only by the alias Cadio, was a resident of Palatak People’s Village in Barangay Pili, Janiuay.

He sustained a lone gunshot wound to the neck.

He was taken to a hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.

According to reports, the 55-year-old suspect, identified only by the alias Long Hair, was seen outside the victim’s house before the shooting.

The suspect lived across from Cadio’s home.

Police said Long Hair apparently waited for the victim to come out of the house and shot him at about 6:45 p.m.

After the shooting, the suspect went back inside his house, locked the doors and holed up there.

Capt. Aileen Lacrite, Ajuy police chief, said police immediately responded to the scene and requested augmentation from the Special Weapons and Tactics team.

Police negotiated for the suspect’s surrender, but he refused.

At about 9:09 p.m., Lacrite said police decided to enter the house through the back door.

Police were able to disarm and neutralize the suspect.

Recovered from Long Hair’s possession was a caliber .38 revolver.

Police said the suspect is a widower and has a live-in partner who works in Iloilo City.

Authorities added that Long Hair, who is unemployed, had been the subject of numerous complaints before the barangay lupon for alarm and scandal when he was under the influence of liquor.

Lacrite said Long Hair may have suspected Cadio of being behind the complaints filed against him.

The suspect is now detained and will be charged with murder.

Police are continuing their investigation to establish the full motive behind the killing.