Ex-cop hurt in shooting; suspect is fellow retiree

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – An argument led to a shooting incident that wounded a retired policeman in Barangay Zone 10, Talisay City, Negros Occidental last Wednesday.

The victim was identified as Abraham Perez, 56, of Sagay City.

Police Lieutenant Rolly Ondoy, deputy police chief of Talisay City Police Station, said Perez brought home the suspect identified as Franklin Balbaguio, 50, of Talisay City, also a retired policeman.

They later figured in an argument at Balbaguio’s house.

Ondoy, however, said they did not know what caused the argument.

The suspect allegedly grabbed the victim’s firearm and they both grappled with it until it fired and the bullet hit Perez’s left foot.

Ondoy said the incident was witnessed by Perez’s live-in partner.

Balbaguio then sought help from the police and turned over a .9mm-caliber pistol, which was subjected to ballistic examination.

Perez was taken to a private hospital here, while Balbaguio is detained at the police station.

Ondoy said the victim asked the suspect to shoulder his medical expenses.

Balbaguio will be released after the lapse of the 18-hour reglementary detention.

Both were classmates and friends, Ondoy said.