Councilman shot dead over ‘jealousy’

CEBU, Philippines - Out of alleged jealousy, a 60-year-old councilman of Barangay Damolog, Sogod in northern Cebu was shot dead by his former acquaintance Thursday evening.

Roberto Abalos, a second-term barangay councilman, was watching television inside their house when the suspect, Sam Pandapatan, suddenly shot the victim once in the head, resulting to his instantaneous death.

Pandapatan used a .38 caliber pistol to end Abalos’ life, Sogod police said.

Police said the suspect connived with his son, Swylee Pandapatan, in his early 20s, who served as his lookout.

The suspects, natives of Marawi City, immediately fled after the incident.  They are still at large as of press time.

Senior Inspector Danilo Santillan, chief of Sogod Police Station, said they are looking at jealousy or love triangle as motive of the killing.

Based on the information gathered, Santillan disclosed that the victim had a “romantic affair” with Sam’s former partner.

Sam and his former live-in partner reportedly broke up two months ago.

“Public knowledge na ni siya. Mao sad ang sulti sa anak ni konsehal,” Santillan told The FREEMAN in a phone interview.

Santillan added that after the suspect’s separation from his former partner, he did not show up in the area until the incident.

Abalos and the suspect were said to be friends, he said.

“Barkada ni sila. Nag-inom pa ni sila ni konsehal sa miaging fiesta,” Santillan said.

Based on initial reports, the suspect reportedly owns several cellphone repair and accessories shops in Compostela, Danao, Catmon and Sogod. (FREEMAN)