Charges slapped on Antique shooting suspect

By: Jennifer P. Rendon 

A STRING of criminal charges was filed against the suspect who went on a shooting rampage in San Jose, Antique on Oct. 21, 2019.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Mark Anthony Darroca, said 22-year-old Venom Dio Vergara was charged for two counts of murder, two counts of direct assault with frustrated homicide, direct assault with attempted homicide, frustrated murder, and malicious mischief.

Darroca doesn’t appear to be remorseful.

“He’s been silent while he’s in detention. His sister brings food for him,” Darroca said.

The suspect used his father’s caliber .9mm Taurus pistol in shooting three civilians and police at Barangay Atabay on Monday.

The firearm’s license expired in 2016.

After the incident, the suspect’s father surrendered firearms, magazines, and assorted bullets in his possession.

Two persons were killed after Vergara went on a shooting spree – Ervin James Checa, 32, of Barangay Piape 1, Hamtic, Antique and Ana Anacleto, 24, of San Remigio, Antique.

Both were working at RR Internet Station where the incident happened.

The internet station is adjacent to a water refilling station owned by Vergara’s parent’s

The incident also injured three persons – Stephen Louie Checa, 36, and two police officers.

Darroca said Police Staff Sergeants Cyril Valdevieso and Albert Talidong responded to the crime scene when the suspect shot them.