Councilman shot dead; 3 suspects surrendered

CEBU, Philippines - A barangay councilman died after he was mauled and shot several times by three men who he earlier argued with during a birthday celebration in Barangay Alegria, Tuburan town past 2 a.m. yesterday.

Victim Ricardo Aquilla, 50, councilman of the nearby Barangay Cogon, died of gunshot wounds to the chest, back and forehead and lacerations to the head.

Suspects Ranel Bantay, 36; Darryl Labandero, 19; and Justino Alfeche, 49, all of Barangay Gimama, Tuburan, surrendered to Gimama barangay councilwoman Jessica Capuyan after killing Aquilla.

According to Tuburan Police Station chief Senior Inspector William Homoc, prior to the incident, Aquilla and the suspects were invited to a birthday celebration in Barangay Cogon.

After dinner, while drinking, the victim had had a misunderstanding with the suspects.

The councilman allegedly hit Bantay’s head, which triggered the latter’s companion to react.

A certain Narding Pingka reportedly tried to settle both parties who allegedly agreed to patch things up.

The victim then decided to go back home while the suspects, alleging that the armed councilman was waiting for them in a dark area, also left.

But while the two parties met, one of the suspects reportedly hit Aquilla on his head with an undetermined object.

They then grappled for the councilman’s firearm, a cal. 45 pistol, until they were able to disarm him and shot him several times, said Homoc.

After the incident, the suspects surrendered to Capuyan and also turned over the victim’s gun with ammunition.

Homoc said Labandero was arrested after he confessed to be the one who hit the victim’s head.

The police chief said the suspects will be subjected to a paraffin test to determine who among them shot the councilman.

Tuburan police are also investigating the report that the victim’s jewelry and P15,000 cash were missing.

The suspects are now detained at the police station while a charge for murder is now being prepared against them. (FREEMAN)