Village Official Arrested for Shooting Seaman

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A village official in Lambunao, Iloilo was arrested for allegedly shooting a seafarer shortly before midnight on Feb. 25.

Officers from the Lambunao Municipal Police Station arrested alias Arcel, 44, a barangay kagawad of Misi village, following the incident.

According to reports, both Arcel and the victim, alias Matt, 46, also a resident of Barangay Misi, were intoxicated when the altercation occurred.

They had been drinking separately before crossing paths and engaging in an argument.

Major Roy Tayona, Lambunao police chief, said the dispute was minor but escalated due to their intoxication.

Another village official intervened and escorted Arcel home.

However, the suspect later returned to confront Matt, this time armed with a 12-gauge Armscor shotgun.

He then shot Matt, hitting him in the left leg.

The victim’s relatives rushed him to Dr. Ricardo Y. Ladrido Memorial Hospital in Lambunao for treatment.

Meanwhile, Tayona said discussions between both parties are underway for a possible settlement.

Regardless of whether Matt pursues charges, police will still file a case against Arcel for illegal possession of a firearm and violation of the election gun ban.