Chief tanod faces murder charge for nephew’s death

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – A chief barangay tanod (watchman) is facing a murder charge for allegedly shooting to death his nephew Monday evening at Sitio Ilaya, Barangay Matnog, Ivisan, Capiz.

The victim was identified as Rowel Varcas, 29, while the suspect was Garry Varcas, 40, chief tanod and bantay dagat member of Ivisan. Both are residents of Matnog.

Investigation by Ivisan PNP indicated that the two were drinking liquor with other friends at a wedding celebration when a heated argument ensued between them.

Rowel stood up and stabbed Garry in the back with a screwdriver. The uncle then took his clutch bag, drew a handgun, and shot his nephew in the abdomen.

Rowel was rushed to the hospital here but he was declared dead on arrival by the attending doctor.

Garry was also taken to Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital for treatment of wounds inflicted by his nephew.

Police failed to recover the suspect’s gun.

According to Wilma Varcas, they will file appropriate charges against her brother-in-law for killing her son.

She said Gary is considered in their place as a “trigger-happy” individual because he always fires his gun, especially when he is drunk.

Prior to the incident, Wilma said the suspect was looking for her husband to inquire about a piece of property. But her husband was out during that time.

It was learned that Garry was an army reservist aside from being a chief tanod and bantay dagat volunteer.