Alleged drug personality killed, couple hurt in twin shootings

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – An alleged drug personality died, while a couple was wounded in separate shooting incidents here and in Negros Occidental last week.

In Bacolod, Ericka Jane Castaneda, 27, of Barangay 2 was found dead in the said village last Saturday.

Police Lieutenant Jonito Pastrana, deputy commander of Police Station 2, said Castaneda was shot by an unidentified person while she and a companion were walking in an alley.

Pastrana said five gunshots were heard in the area. Castaneda’s companion was unharmed.

Prior to the shooting, Pastrana said that someone had been looking for the victim for a few days now to ask for payment for some items.

Pastrana said they already have a person of interest in the incident, and they are looking into the case as drug-related since the victim was an alleged drug user.

Pastrana also said that the victim’s live-in partner was jailed for a drug offense.

“Wala ta lang mabal-an kung bag-o lang siya nag engage sa amo na nga hilikuton,” he added.

Meanwhile, in San Carlos City, Evelyn Concha, 31, and her live-in partner Julieto Ugdiman, 44, both residents of Barangay Bantayanon, Calatrava town were wounded after they were allegedly shot by Charles Brandi-ase, 29, of Barangay Tigbon, Calatrava town, last Friday.

Police Lieutenant Ruby Aurita, public information officer of San Carlos City Police Station, said the couple was already sleeping when the suspect entered their house in Barangay Buluangan Proper, San Carlos City.

Both victims suffered gunshot wounds in the different parts of their bodies and were rushed to San Carlos City Hospital. The couple is already in stable condition.

Aurita said the suspect probably got jealous after seeing the couple together.

Concha and the suspect have an alleged affair, according to Aurita, adding that Ugdiman was even aware of it.

“Nag-away-away ni sila (couple), amo na nga nakarelasyon sang baye ang suspect two months ago,” Aurita said.

Aurita said they are waiting for the decision of the victims on the filing of charges against Brandi-ase.