Barangay fiesta ends in tragedy in Sagay City

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – A barangay watchman died and three others sustained injuries amidst a fiesta disturbance in Barangay Malubon, Sagay City, Negros Occidental, on Easter Sunday.

The police have kept confidential the identity of the 32-year-old deceased watchman and the wounded, including a 17-year-old male.

Deputy Chief Police Lieutenant Hannah Banquil of Sagay City Police Station reported that barangay watchmen were the first to intervene when two groups of young adults clashed. During the efforts to calm the situation, a watchman was fatally struck in the head by a stone.

According to Banquil, the conflict originated when one group purportedly antagonized the other, with both parties allegedly intoxicated at the time of the incident.

A 21-year-old man sustained injuries amid the fray but has since been discharged from the hospital. Authorities have identified two individuals connected to the incident and are continuing their search for additional associates.

In a related event, another watchman and a minor were injured after supposedly being shot by a 32-year-old member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu), who was also said to be intoxicated. The Cafgu member became aggravated after a query at a local store and brandished a firearm, alarming those present.

Responding watchmen were met with gunfire from the suspect, resulting in a 56-year-old watchman and the suspect’s teenage cousin being hit. The watchman was shot in the chest, while the minor sustained a foot injury.

The injured watchman is slated for surgery at a private hospital, whereas the minor has been released, Banquil stated.

Officers confiscated a .45 caliber handgun with two magazines and six rounds of ammunition from the suspect who is now detained and faces charges for frustrated homicide.