7 arrested for New Year shooting frenzy

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines  – Police have arrested seven persons tagged in indiscriminate firing during the New Year celebration in Narvacan town, Ilocos Sur.

Philip Andrew Funtanilla, his brother Russel, their cousin Cesar, Mark R-Jay Cabana, Ian Christopher Calixterio, Jomar Cabreros and Mark Cachola were arrested at their home in Barangay San Antonio last Monday.

The men were released the next day after posting bail of P40,000 each.

The court reduced the bail, which was originally set at P80,000.

 Ilocos Sur police director Senior Superintendent Nestor Felix said the Narvacan police did not arrest Geronimo Gomez, a son of a police officer.

Felix said Gomez was included in the complaint but was not among those ordered arrested by Judge Sixto Diompoc. He did not offer any explanation.

Gomez’s father Senior Police Officer Alex Gomez was believed to be the owner of the firearms used in the shooting.

The police officer was relieved from his post and was investigated by the Police Internal Affairs Office, Felix said.

Photos of the Narvacan shooting frenzy went viral on social media, eliciting flak from netizens.