Solon Linked to Gun Used in Tigbauan Slay

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) has confirmed that a firearm used in the October 24, 2024, killing of a village official in Barangay San Rafael, Tigbauan, Iloilo, is owned by a prominent individual.

Colonel Bayani Razalan, Iloilo police chief, disclosed this during a November 11 press conference at the IPPO headquarters in Camp Sumagaysay, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo.

Citing the Philippine National Police (PNP) revised media relations policy, Razalan initially refrained from identifying the gun’s owner, referring only to a “congressman.”

Near the end of the press conference, when pressed to confirm or deny whether Representative Lex Anthony Cris Colada of the AAMBIS-OWA party-list owned the gun, Razalan admitted that it was true.

Razalan declined to provide further details, noting that a murder case had already been filed against John Castro Jr., 51, a resident of Barangay San Rafael, Tigbauan.

He stated that investigators are still probing how the .45-caliber pistol came into Castro’s possession.

Razalan said that initial findings point to personal grudges as the probable motive for the killing of Barangay Kagawad Joevanie Triste.

He added that other angles are being considered as the investigation progresses.

Razalan also noted that charges against Colada will be filed, although the exact charges have yet to be determined pending consultation with their legal officer.

STATEMENT

Hours before the press conference, Representative Janette Garin issued a statement regarding Triste’s murder.

Colada is married to Mayor Jennifer Garin-Colada of Guimbal and is related to other influential officials in the province, including Mayor Richard Garin of Miag-ao, Vice Governor Christine Garin of Iloilo, and Energy Undersecretary Sharon Garin.

Jennifer is also the daughter of Mayor Ninfa Garin of San Joaquin, while Janette is Richard’s wife.

“It has come to our attention that there are surprising turn of events in relation to the death of former Brgy. Capt. Jovanni Triste. Allow us to put things in its proper perspective,” the statement said.

“Kap Triste worked with us before, and we have only good words for his service and the good deeds he has done,” Garin added.

She condemned the murder and called for justice.

“No exceptions,” Garin emphasized.

Garin extended condolences to Triste’s family and noted that true peace could only be achieved when the responsible parties are held accountable.

“With his burial, real peace can only be attained if we all help each other make the culprit and all those who helped him, pay for the criminal act they have done. What happened is an exception. Tigbauan has always been a peaceful town,” she said.

She called for full cooperation to solve the crime, praising the coordinated efforts of Mayor Teruel, Vice Mayor Lugen, and the Tigbauan police, along with other local government officials.

“There is no cover-up, and we welcome any assistance to ensure the perpetrator faces justice,” Garin said.

THE STORY BEHIND THE WEAPON

Following Triste’s murder, police recovered a deformed bullet and two .45-caliber cartridge cases at the scene.

On October 26, two days after the incident, police received information that Castro had left the gun with a “kumpare” or close friend.

The firearm was subsequently recovered and sent to the Regional Civil Service Unit 6 for verification of ownership and then to the PNP Forensic Unit for ballistic and macro-etching examinations.

On October 28, a murder case was filed against Castro.

Hours later, Castro voluntarily surrendered to the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), which does not have jurisdiction over the case.

Castro, a former member of Iloilo City’s Task Force Asis, reportedly contacted his former superior, Love Joy Hosinella, for assistance.

Colonel Kim Legada, Iloilo City police chief, said Castro’s surrender was “unnecessary” as the case had already been filed.

A warrant for Castro’s arrest has yet to be issued.

Castro admitted to shooting Triste, 58, a former barangay captain of San Rafael, who succumbed to seven gunshot wounds on his lower right chest.

The incident allegedly followed a confrontation between the two men.

Castro has faced at least seven criminal cases in the past, some of which have been settled.