Drunk chainsaw operator shot dead in Capiz

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A chainsaw operator under the influence of liquor was gunned down by his neighbor on the evening of July 14 in Maayon, Capiz.

Joseph Dariagan Taladtad, 39, a resident of Barangay Quevedo, Maayon, succumbed to a lone gunshot wound in the left lower portion of his chest.

He died while undergoing treatment at Bailan District Hospital in Pontevedra town.

The suspect, Augusto Palencia Diestro, was arrested immediately after the shooting.

A few hours before the incident, Taladtad’s family had asked for police assistance after the victim became unruly while armed with a cane knife.

Major Syril Punzalan, Maayon police chief, said they arrived at Quevedo, an upland village around 30 kilometers from the town proper, around 6 p.m. on Sunday.

However, when the police arrived, the family allegedly declined to allow the victim to go with them, stating they would keep Taladtad under their custody for safekeeping.

“That’s why we even told them, why did you call the police for assistance if you would decide to keep him in your custody?” Punzalan said.

Since the family insisted, the police team returned to the police station. At 8:30 p.m., they received another call from Barangay Quevedo about a shooting incident.

According to witnesses, the victim went to the barangay hall and had a heated confrontation with Barangay Captain Madamba.

A commotion later ensued inside the barangay hall. At the height of the commotion, Diestro pulled out a gun and shot the victim.

The suspect is now detained and will face homicide charges.