Iloilo Village Official Shoots Teen Playing Hide-and-Seek

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A barangay official was arrested after allegedly shooting a 19-year-old boy who was playing hide-and-seek with friends near his home in La Paz, Iloilo City.

Barangay Kagawad “Kayot” Jeruta, 64, allegedly shot and wounded a teenager identified only as Dennis, 19, of Zone 5, Barangay Gustilo, La Paz.

Dennis’ two companions escaped unhurt after running away from the scene.

According to reports, Dennis and his friends were playing hide-and-seek at Barangay Tabuc Suba at around 3 a.m. when the incident occurred.

The group was reportedly hiding under a bridge near Jeruta’s house when he approached and admonished them.

Shortly after, the boys heard a gunshot and ran in different directions, unaware that Dennis had been hit.

When they realized he was shot in the right side of his back, they rushed to the police station to report the incident.

Authorities immediately arrested Jeruta and recovered a .38-caliber snub-nosed revolver loaded with five rounds of ammunition.

Major Tranquilino Querubin, chief of Iloilo City Police Station 2, said Jeruta claimed he became suspicious upon seeing the boys hiding under the bridge.

When the boys ran, Dennis allegedly almost bumped into him, prompting him to fire his gun.

Jeruta said he was unaware at the time that Dennis had been shot.

Meanwhile, Dennis’ family said they do not intend to pursue criminal charges against the village official.

They only want Jeruta to cover the victim’s medical expenses.

However, Querubin clarified that Jeruta will still face charges for violating Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) in relation to the election gun ban, regardless of the family’s decision.