Tanod accused of ‘killing’ sis-in-law following dispute

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – Police are investigating whether jealousy or financial issues prompted a barangay watchman to fatally shoot his brother-in-law’s wife in Barangay 10, Victorias City, Negros Occidental, last Tuesday.

Police Captain Genus David, the deputy chief of Victorias City Police Station, named the victim as Emily Lorega, 58.

According to David, Lorega was preparing for dinner around 7 p.m. when the 54-year-old suspect, who appeared intoxicated, entered her residence.

During the meal, while Lorega fed her four-year-old grandson, an argument broke out between her and the suspect, escalating to the point where he allegedly shot her with a .357 magnum revolver.

Lorega sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the chest and was pronounced dead at Victorias Emergency Clinic.

At the scene, officers found three discharged bullets, two unfired rounds, and two bullet slugs.

The suspect reportedly stashed the gun at his home, located across from Lorega’s, before absconding.

David noted that the suspect had visited Lorega’s home twice before and had been overheard quarreling with her about financial and personal issues by relatives and neighbors.

There are unverified allegations of the suspect’s jealousy over Lorega’s relationships.

At the time of the shooting, the victim’s husband was working locally.

David remarked this was the first instance of the suspect exhibiting violence towards Lorega.

The police, who have not released the suspect’s identity, plan to charge him with murder.