Village Official Arrested for Illegal Gun Discharge

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Local police arrested six people just after midnight on Nov. 2 following a reported commotion in Barangay Zone 4, Sta. Barbara, Iloilo.

Those apprehended included Barangay Kagawad Edgar Suplito of Barangay Zone 4, Sta. Barbara; Dan Soliva, 34, and Joemil Solas, 30, both from Barangay Barasan Este, Sta. Barbara; Andres Silveo, 29, and Francisco Silveo Jr., 28, both from Barangay Cafe, Sta. Barbara; and Joshua Carmin, 31.

Earlier that evening, Soliva, Andres, and Francisco were drinking at Soliva’s house in Barangay Zone 4, Sta. Barbara.

At around 9:30 p.m., they allegedly heard a “funeral song” playing from Suplito’s house across the road, which reportedly irritated Soliva, prompting him to challenge Suplito to a fight.

In response, two of Suplito’s companions allegedly threw paint cans at Soliva’s group.

Suplito then reportedly fired his gun several times, leading to a commotion and fistfight between the groups.

Sta. Barbara Police Chief Major Ciriaco Esquilarga said Suplito discharged his firearm even before the police arrived.

When the police arrived, Suplito allegedly fired his gun twice more before running inside his house to hide the firearm.

Police detained Soliva and his companions at Suplito’s gate, while Solas was arrested for unruly behavior, though police did not provide further details.

While in the police station, Suplito allegedly smashed his tumbler, hitting Soliva on the head.

Recovered from the scene were four rounds of .38-caliber ammunition, a bolo, a crowbar, and a GI pipe.

Suplito’s live-in partner later surrendered a .357-caliber Smith & Wesson revolver loaded with four rounds, along with two spent cartridges from a .38-caliber revolver.

Esquilarga noted that Suplito presented no documents for the firearm and denied ownership, claiming it was entrusted to him for safekeeping.

Esquilarga added that there had been previous complaints against Suplito for allegedly brandishing his firearm.

Suplito faces charges for illegal discharge of a firearm under Section 29 of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and disobedience to a person in authority.

Soliva and his companions will face charges for alarm and scandal and malicious mischief.