Kagawad shoots female pal over misunderstanding

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – A barangay official is facing frustrated murder charges after he allegedly shot his female companion at Hacienda Maquina, Barangay E. Lopez, Silay City, Negros Occidental last Wednesday.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Robert Petate, city police chief, said Barangay Kagawad Ricky Duran, 52, of Barangay IV, came from a drinking session with three female companions when a heated argument ensued between him and one of his companions.

“Daw halin sila sa gimik-gimik siguro, nakainom,” Petate said.

Petate said the 29-year-old victim, whose name was withheld, went out of the vehicle after their argument, but the suspect followed her and allegedly shot her in the back.

The victim was wounded and was rushed to Teresita Lopez Jalandoni Provincial Hospital in Silay City, while the suspect was later arrested in a pursuit operation in Barangay Mambulac.

Petate said they have yet to determine what triggered the misunderstanding between them, adding that they also have yet to know their relationship.

Petate said the suspect was allegedly armed with a .9mm caliber firearm, but police did not recover any slug or the firearm of the suspect. They also have yet to check the barangay official’s vehicle which is now under police custody.

Duran has yet to be reached for comment.