Retired soldier kills alleged intruder in Iloilo

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A retired Philippine Army personnel voluntarily surrendered after allegedly shooting to death an 18-year-old boy on the night of July 23 in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo.

Alias Guillermo, 76, said he shot alias Brince after the latter reportedly tried to break into his home in Barangay Bolong Este, Sta. Barbara, around 9:40 p.m. Wednesday.

Reports said Guillermo was alerted by his dogs’ barking.

When he opened the back door, he claimed to have seen a man standing nearby.

He shouted, “Sin-o ka?”

Getting no response, Guillermo said the man instead tried to attack him with a knife.

He claimed he was left with no choice but to defend himself.

Guillermo then drew his licensed firearm and shot the alleged intruder three times.

Brince was hit on the left side of the head above the ear, as well as the shoulder and right arm.

He died on the spot.

Guillermo surrendered his licensed Glock 17 pistol, along with two magazines and several rounds of ammunition.

Captain Raphy Señeres, Sta. Barbara police chief, said they are considering the possibility that Brince intended to break into the house.

“Given the time and the bad weather, what could be the possible reason why he was there?” Señeres said.

He added that Brince, an out-of-school youth, had no record of any criminal offense with the local police.

Guillermo also had no prior record of legal infractions.

Meanwhile, Señeres said the victim’s family has yet to decide whether to pursue a case or enter into an amicable settlement with Guillermo.