Village councilman hacked to death

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – A drinking session ended in violence when a village councilman was hacked to death by his friend at Sitio Sampinit, Barangay Libertad, Escalante City, Negros Occidental last Wednesday.

Killed was Jorge Espada, 66, of the said village. He was also a former village chief before elected as councilman or kagawad.

Police Major Gil John Despi, city police chief, said Espada was drinking liquor with five friends in front of his house but some of them left few hours later, leaving him and Alejandro Dalaorao, 56, also of the said village.

The victim’s wife went out to check her husband, thinking he was asleep, but she was surprised to see him bathed in his blood.

Espada suffered multiple hack wounds in the head and face. He was taken to a hospital, where he was declared dead.

Despi said a misunderstanding probably occurred between Espada and Dalaorao, which may have triggered the latter to attack the victim with a bolo.

“Daw maoy ni siya (suspect) abi kung makainom,” he added, referring to the suspect’s hot-headed nature.

Dalaorao was arrested at Barangay Binaguiohan Proper around 3:20 p.m. Thursday.

Despi said witnesses identified Dalaorao the one who reportedly killed Espada.

The suspect hid in his relative’s house and denied his involvement in the crime when arrested. He was charged for murder Thursday.

Man nabbed for bribing cop

Meanwhile, a man was arrested warrant Thursday for allegedly bribing a police chief in Sagay City, Negros Occidental last year.

Arnel Despues, 26, of Barangay Baviera was collared at Barangay Poblacion 2.

Police Major Antonio Benitez Jr., city police chief, said Despues allegedly tried to bribe at a checkpoint in October 2019.

Benitez said Despues was driving a motorcycle but had no driver’s license when he was flagged down by police officers.

“He was sanctioned for a traffic violation but he offered me P200 to allow him to pass the checkpoint,” Benitez said.

Benitez said he filed a criminal complaint against the suspect and the prosecutor found probable cause to push through with the case.

The arrest warrant for corruption of public official was issued on February 18, 2020, he added.

Judge Biena Marieta Cabusao of Municipal Trial Court in Cities in Sagay City issued the warrant. A bail P6,000 bail was recommended for his provisional liberty.

Benitez said the suspect, who is detained at Sagay City Police Station, was not able to recognize him during that time and he now regretted the incident.

The suspect asked forgiveness from him.

Benitez reminded motorists not to bribe anyone to escape from their violations because they will face bigger consequences.