Barangay Tanod Killed After Breaking Up Gang Fight

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A barangay tanod (village watchman) was killed after breaking up a fight between two gangs in Molo, Iloilo City.

Michael Barredo, 38, a resident of Barangay San Juan, Molo, had just turned his back after pacifying the two groups when he was stabbed from behind.

According to reports, Barredo and fellow tanod members Alvin, 33, and Jeremy, 42, responded to a reported commotion in the area around 5 p.m. on May 29.

Captain Ryan Christ Inot, chief of Iloilo City Police Station 4, said the three tanod members were able to stop a fight between the “Molo side” group from Barangay San Juan and the “North side” group from neighboring Barangay Baluarte.

Barredo and his companions left after the situation was settled.

However, two individuals involved in the commotion chased Barredo and attacked him.

The assailants were identified as Carlo, 22, of Barangay Rizal Estanzuela, City Proper district, and Philip, 25, of Barangay San Juan, Molo.

Both allegedly conspired in stabbing Barredo.

He was struck on the left arm and back.

Barredo was rushed to Iloilo Doctors’ Hospital but was declared dead shortly after arrival.

Inot said Philip appeared to have a personal grudge against the victim.

He allegedly blamed Barredo for tipping off authorities who later served him a warrant of arrest for violating Republic Act 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and homicide.

Inot said Philip had previously served jail time.

It was initially reported that Carlo had been arrested in a hot pursuit operation.

But Inot clarified that a different individual named Carlo was held in their custody.

The person was a 17-year-old boy from San Juan, Molo.

“He was at the crime scene, but he was not part of the group involved in the fracas,” Inot said.

“He even called for assistance when the commotion started.”

The teenager was released after his identity was verified.

As of this writing, Inot said the two suspects remain at large.