Tanod held for village chief’s murder

MANILA, Philippines — A watchman was arrested in a fastfood restaurant on Wednesday for allegedly gunning down a barangay chairman in Mandaluyong City last week.

Christopher Calumbay was identified by two witnesses who said they saw him limp toward Barangay Poblacion chairman Godofredo Tolentino and shoot him in a billiard hall on Oct. 13, said Chief Superintendent Romulo Sapitula, director of the Eastern Police District.

Tolentino’s killing was caught on closed-circuit television footage. 

Calumbay is a watchman of Barangay Malamig, whose chairman, Marlon Manalo, is reportedly eyeing the city’s vice mayoral seat.

Right after Calumbay’s arrest, four lawyers rushed to the Mandaluyong police headquarters to assist him.

“He is only a barangay tanod but how can he afford four lawyers?” Sapitula asked.

“Maybe the mastermind is moneyed and sent the lawyers to prevent the gunman from talking and shield him from being dragged into the case of Tolentino,” he added.

Calumbay chose to remain silent on the allegations against him but asked Sapitula to provide security for his wife and child, who also work at the barangay hall of Barangay Malamig.