Councilor Alicaway case: PB condemns shooting, calls for faster resolution

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial Board (PB) has passed a resolution condemning the murder of San Fernando Councilor Alexander Alicaway.

The legislation was passed yesterday during the first out-of-town session of the PB.

"The tragic and unwarranted death of Hon. Alicaway is greatly felt by the residents of the Municipality whom he served and, likewise, by this august body, hence his merciless killing warrants condemnation in strongest terms of the 14th Sangguniang Panlalawigan," stated the resolution.

The PB also asked the Cebu Provincial Police Office CPPO and the San Fernando Police Station to conduct a thorough investigation for the speedy resolution of the case.

A separate resolution also extended condolences to the bereaved family of the late councilor.

"The 14th Sangguniang Panlalawigan wishes to express its profound condolences and sympathy to the bereaved family and honor the life and achievements of the late Municipal Councilor Alexander Alicaway as recognition for all great and lasting contributions that he may have accorded more specifically to the constituents of the Municipality of San Fernando, Cebu," it stated.

A copy of the two resolutions will be furnished to Alicaways's wife.

Alicaway served as a municipal councilor for three consecutive terms in 2004 to 2013. He was the municipality’s chairman of the Committee on Environment of the Sangguniang Bayan during his new term, 2016-2019.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Councilors League (PCL)-Cebu Province Chapter also expressed condemnation on the councilor's murder.

PCL-Cebu President Earl Tidy Oyas said that their group will pass a resolution to formally declare their stand.

He aired out that councilors are only doing their jobs as legislators and must not be killed, should they pass something which are contrary to the interests of some.

Watchman killed

Meanwhile, a village watchman was shot dead by unidentified assailant in Sitio Tinago, Barangay Poblacion South, Naga City Saturday evening.

The police identified the victim as Renante Fernandez, 36, a resident of the place.

Police Officer 3 Jonathan Largo, who is investigating the case, said that Fernandez was playing card games in a shanty together with other five companions when the incident happened.

The unidentified assailant reportedly appeared from the back of the shanty and shot the victim, hitting his side.

Largo said the victim was still able to run together with the others to hide in a house nearby but did not make it.

Fernandez, according to Largo, was a drug surrenderer of their station in 2016.

Largo said the killing can be related to work, personal grudge or illegal drugs.

“Sumala pa sa pamilya sa victim kay wala man daw ni kaaway. Pero aduna kini daw kaso sa barangay, maong amo karong iverify og unsa katinuod,” said Largo.

Meanwhile in Talisay City, three minors were injured in a shooting incident in Mananga II, Barangay Tabunok on Saturday evening.

The police said that the suspect, Ricky Bustillo, 40, had a heated argument with the father of the minors identified as Rolly Dayanan prior to the incident.

After their heated confrontation, the suspect allegedly went inside the house of Dayanan and shot the latter but hit the three minors aged 9, 6, 2, instead.

Dayanan fought back and was able to steal the suspect’s gun and shot the latter hitting his arm and stomach.

The three minors were immediately rushed to the nearest hospital together with the suspect, who was immediately arrested by the operatives.

Bustillo is now facing charges for multiple frustrated murder charges before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office. (FREEMAN)