Tanod guns down two drinking buddies

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A heated argument among three drunk men claimed the lives of two persons in Antique province.

The incident happened 10 p.m. of September 6 at Barangay Cansilayan, a hinterland village in Valderrama town.

Police identified the victims as Rex Roquero, a farmer, and resident of Cansilayan village and Richard Canja, 37, of Barangay General Fullon, San Remegio, Antique.

Prior to the incident, the two victims were drinking liquor at the house of suspect Jerald Banesio.

A report submitted by Captain Narciso Sables, Jr., Valderama police chief, disclosed that Roquero, Canja, and Banesio engaged in a verbal tussle in the middle of their drinking spree.

At the height of their argument, Banesio got hold of a 12-gauge (break-type) shotgun and shot the victims.

Roquero and Canja instantaneously died due to injuries on their head.

Barangay Captain Hernani Francisco arrested Banesio right after the incident. He also called the local police to inform them of the incident.

Police conducted an investigation a day later since the area is 17 kilometers from the town proper. The first 10 kilometers is accessible to vehicle while the remaining distance could only be reached by foot.

Banesio is now detained while charges against him are being readied for filing.