Drunk man charged after shooting neighbors in Iloilo

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Criminal charges have been filed against a man who allegedly shot at his neighbors near a wake in Pototan, Iloilo, on the night of Sept. 13.

The suspect, identified only as alias Allan, 47, of Zone 2, Barangay Jamabalud, Pototan, was charged with two counts of attempted murder and violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) before the Iloilo Provincial Prosecutor’s Office on Sept. 15.

Maj. Bryan Alamo, Pototan police chief, said Allan and the victim, 49-year-old Jonathan, had an ongoing feud prior to the incident.

The conflict reportedly stemmed from the lot where both men had constructed homes, although the property is owned by another person.

They were known to frequently argue, especially when under the influence of alcohol.

On the night of the incident, Allan was allegedly drunk and shouting while calling out Jonathan’s name.

Jonathan eventually approached Allan, but the latter opened fire.

Although Jonathan was not hit, his 19-year-old son, Jocel, was struck in the arm by a stray bullet.

Several bystanders reportedly assaulted Allan before he managed to escape.

Alamo said police launched a hot pursuit operation but initially failed to locate the suspect at his relatives’ residence.

He was later arrested about an hour afterward while seeking medical treatment at a hospital in New Lucena town.