PDEA agent, brother shoot aunt to death over land dispute

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – A woman passed away in a private hospital here early Friday, hours after she was shot by her two nephews over a land dispute in a compound at Sitio Beranio, Barangay Lantad, Silay City, Negros Occidental on Thursday night.

Police identified the victim as 54-year-old Jossie Mondejar.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Mark Anthony Darroca, city police chief, said the victim was outside her house when 18-year-old Alfredo Bitalac Jr. arrived and allegedly shot her in the head at close range.

Darroca said that Alfredo then fled, along with his older brother Aljon, 29, who is an active member of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Two gunshots were heard by the neighbors. Police recovered from the scene a fired bullet from a .45 caliber firearm.

Darroca said the suspects were later arrested by responding policemen while they were hiding in one of the houses in the said village.

Aljon even called his colleague, and asked for help after the incident, he added.

Prior to the shooting, Darroca said that Aljon allegedly recently threatened his aunt when he learned that the latter was constructing a cemented wall to serve as a division in their compound.

Darroca said that Aljon was assigned in Mindanao, and is currently on vacation in the province.

Aside from their recent conflict, Darroca said the suspects and the victim reportedly had previous arguments that caused them grudges.

Despite wearing a helmet, the victim’s son still identified the gunman and his companion, according to Darroca.

Police did not recover the weapon used in the incident, but Darroca said that they will reach out to PDEA to seek their assistance in recalling Aljon’s service firearm to be subjected to ballistic examination.

Darroca said the two suspects also underwent a paraffin test. Both of them will be charged for murder, he added.