LTO-7 legal aide involved in shooting alarm

CEBU, Philippines —  A member of the paralegal team of Land Transportation Office (LTO)-7 was reportedly involved in a shooting alarm over an alleged noisy neighbor in Purok Matinabangon, Dawis, Tabunok, Talisay City yesterday morning.

Talisay City Police Station chief, Police Major Gerard Ace Pelare, said they are eyeing personal grudge as motive behind the shooting alarm.

The member of the LTO-7 paralegal team was identified as certain Vince Santiago, 36, who is reportedly in conflict with a certain Bryan Montefalcon, 35-years old.

Accordingly, the incident started when Cleofe Santiago, mother of Vince, filed a noise complaint against Montefalcon before the barangay.

When both parties were on their way home from the barangay hall after their hearing, Vince alleged that Montefalcon blocked his way and challenged him to a fistfight.

However, Montefalcon allegedly drew his firearm and pointed at Vince, resulting in the two wrestling for the gun until it accidentally fired.

When the police responded, both Vince and Montefalcon claimed having pointed with a gun.

“No firearms were recovered in the scene and both committed to undergo paraffin test. Investigation is ongoing and investigators are still on the crime scene to determine who between the two has probable cause to file a case,” said Pelare.

According to Pelare, the incident has nothing to do with Vince’s job at the LTO-7 basing upon their initial investigation.

Meanwhile, LTO-7 Regional Director Victor Caindec told reporters yesterday that Vince was one of the office’s core investigators and expressed relief that he survived the incident.

“Dili ko happy but I am relieved that it was personal related but it does not mean that it will not cause for worry sa uban na mga involved in the investigation,” Caindec said. — GMR (FREEMAN)