Man surrenders after shooting friend over PHP1,500 debt

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – A 48-year-old man surrendered to police on Thursday, a day after allegedly shooting his friend dead over an unpaid debt in Barangay Matab-ang, Talisay City, Negros Occidental.

Police Lt. Col. Alvin Christopher Baybayan, chief of the Talisay City Police Station, said the suspect, identified only as “Biboy,” turned himself in at the station early Thursday morning with his wife after ongoing coordination with his family.

In a media interview, Baybayan said police were able to convince the suspect to surrender and face the consequences of his actions.

He said the 40-year-old victim and the suspect had a chance encounter in the area that escalated into an argument.

The victim reportedly challenged the suspect to a fight, which turned into a physical altercation.

“Nauwi sa pagbunot ng baril,” Baybayan said.

Baybayan added that the victim owed the suspect PHP1,500.

The suspect allegedly shot the victim using a homemade Black Widow revolver loaded with .9mm-caliber bullets.

“Maliit na baril, pero pag tinamaan, fatal talaga,” Baybayan said, noting the firearm was unlicensed.

The victim died from a single gunshot wound to the chest.

Baybayan said the suspect was previously included in the city police’s drug watchlist but was cleared following an intervention.

Murder charges are being prepared against the suspect.