Congressman Charged Over Tigbauan Official’s Murder

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Criminal charges have been filed against a congressman whose firearm was used in the murder of a village official in Barangay San Rafael, Tigbauan, Iloilo, on Oct. 24, 2024.

Major Rolando Araño, spokesperson for the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), confirmed that Representative Lex Anthony Cris Colada of the Aambis-OWA party-list is facing charges for being an accessory to murder and violating Republic Act 10591, the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

The Tigbauan Municipal Police Station filed the charges before the Iloilo Provincial Prosecutors’ Office on Nov. 14.

Araño said Colada was held accountable because his firearm, a .45-caliber pistol, was used in the crime.

Police interviewed Colada days after the incident but noted that he failed to provide documentation showing that his firearm had been lost or stolen.

Last week, the IPPO confirmed that the pistol used by suspect John Castro Jr., 51, in killing Barangay Kagawad Joevanie Triste was registered under Colada’s name.

Authorities have yet to determine how the firearm ended up in Castro’s possession.

Investigators believe old grudges were the likely motive behind Triste’s murder.

Following the shooting, police recovered a deformed bullet and two cartridge cases from a .45-caliber pistol at the crime scene.

On Oct. 26, two days after the murder, police received information that Castro left the firearm with a “kumpare.”

The gun was later recovered and submitted to the Regional Civil Service Unit (RCSU) 6 for verification. It was then sent to the PNP Forensic Unit for ballistic examination and macro-etching.

On Oct. 28, authorities filed a murder charge against Castro.

Hours later, Castro voluntarily surrendered to the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), which has no jurisdiction over the case.

Colonel Kim Legada, Iloilo City police chief, said Castro’s surrender was “unnecessary” as the case had already been filed.

Castro, a former member of Iloilo City’s Task Force Asis, reportedly sought assistance from his former direct superior, Love Joy Hosinella.

The court has yet to issue a warrant of arrest against Castro.

Castro has admitted to shooting Triste, a 58-year-old former barangay captain, who died from seven gunshot wounds to his lower right chest.

Reports indicate that a confrontation occurred before Castro opened fire.

Castro has faced at least seven criminal cases in the past, some of which he has reportedly settled.

Colada has not issued any latest statement on the matter. But in a statement a week ago, Representative Janette Garin condemned Triste’s murder.

Colada is married to Mayor Jennifer Garin-Colada of Guimbal and is related to other influential officials in the province, including Mayor Richard Garin of Miag-ao, Vice Governor Christine Garin of Iloilo, and Energy Undersecretary Sharon Garin.

Jennifer is also the daughter of Mayor Ninfa Garin of San Joaquin, while Janette is Richard’s wife.

“It has come to our attention that there is surprising turn of events in relation to the death of former Brgy. Capt. Jovanni Triste. Allow us to put things in its proper perspective,” the statement said.

“Kap Triste worked with us before, and we have only good words for his service and the good deeds he has done,” Garin added.

Garin extended condolences to Triste’s family and noted that true peace could only be achieved when the responsible parties are held accountable.

She called for full cooperation to solve the crime, praising the coordinated efforts of Mayor Teruel, Vice Mayor Lugen, and the Tigbauan police, along with other local government officials.

“There is no cover-up, and we welcome any assistance to ensure the perpetrator faces justice,” Garin said.