Murder raps filed vs suspects in kagawad slay

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Murder charges have been filed against multiple suspects in the death of a 59-year-old barangay official in Purok Puncian, Barangay Sta. Rosa, Murcia, Negros Occidental on Jan. 26.

Police Capt. Judesses Catalogo, spokesperson of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, said the criminal complaint was filed against an undisclosed number of perpetrators before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office last week.

This came after statements from witnesses corroborated with pieces of evidence gathered by investigators, which were discussed during a conference of the Special Investigation Task Group.

Catalogo said the motive for the incident stemmed from the victim’s personal affairs and was not related to his position as a village councilor.

He added that the victim had survived a previous attempt on his life.

In the recent incident, Kagawad “Joe” had just alighted from a car after attending a cleanup drive in the village when the gunman fatally shot him in the head.

Catalogo said authorities are awaiting the issuance of an arrest warrant to apprehend the perpetrators.

Meanwhile, a 49-year-old tricycle driver was shot dead by unidentified motorcycle-riding assailants in Purok Laroca, Barangay Sta. Rosa, Murcia town on Wednesday.

The victim, identified only as “Abaw,” was driving his tricycle on his way home when the perpetrators tailed him.

The victim was declared dead at a hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds to the head and body.

Police Capt. Honey Labaro, chief of Murcia Municipal Police Station, said they are unsure if the two incidents could be linked, as investigation is ongoing.

The motive is under investigation.