Love woes led cop to shoot neighbor?

CEBU, Philippines -  Investigators have discovered that relationship issues triggered a cop to shoot his neighbor dead in Barangay Bankal, Lapu-Lapu City on Tuesday morning.

At the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office holding cell yesterday, Police Officer 2 Franklin Bulaquia said he deeply regretted about what had happened and claimed he had no intention to shoot Golgie Gestopa.

Gestopa sustained two gunshot wounds in his left abdomen courtesy of Bulaquia's service firearm. He was rushed to the hospital but died a few hours later.

Investigation revealed that Gestopa and his brother Roello Donor have not been in good terms with Bulaquia whose relationship with his live-in partner Gerephie has been on and off. Gerephie happens to be the brothers' half-sister.

According to police, Bulaquia got reportedly irked after Gestopa and Donor advised their half-sister to leave behind Bulaquia and go back to their place in Mindanao for good.

This led an angry Bulaquia to storm the house of the two brothers Tuesday morning in Sitio Kawot where he, according to his statement, kicked twice and punched Donor.

But when he was about to leave, Gestopa allegedly blocked his way and attempted to fight back. At this moment, Bulaquia pulled out his gun and shot Gestopa twice.

Police said Bulaquia is a heavy drinker and frequently goes out with his friends based on Gerephie's accounts.

Neighbors have reportedly complained over the couple's evening fights. They have three kids aged two, six and 10 years old, respectively.

Police Officer 2 Joseph Cutanda of LCPO Homicide Section also reported that Bulaquia got jealous because his partner believed her half-siblings more than him.

The police have filed charges against Bulaquia and are now waiting for the affidavit from Cebu City's Mabolo Police Station where Bulaquia personally surrendered himself after the incident. Before his surrender, Bulaquia worked in the same police station.   (FREEMAN)