Kagawad guns down his cousin, a soldier

CEBU, Philippines - A 47-year-old barangay councilman gunned down his cousin, a Philippine Army soldier last Wednesday evening at Calinog town in Iloilo.

The barangay official was identified as Gerardo Caballero, while his victim was 47-year-old Staff Sergeant Rustom Caballero, a member of the 61st Infantry Battalion.

Senior Inspector Kenneth Bermejo, Calinog Police chief, said the incident happened at around 8:30 p.m. at the hinterland village of Garangan.

Bermejo said that Gerardo, who was visibly drunk, was acting unruly while inside the barangay's basketball court, and even went as far as challenging several persons for a fight.

As no one took his dare, he allegedly drew his firearm and fired it twice, at the time when he saw that his soldier-cousin Rustom, also was about to approach in a bid to pacify him. But before Rustom could go near, Gerardo shot the soldier once.

The soldier was hit on the abdomen and was brought to the Calinog District Hospital but was declared dead on arrival. The councilman fled taking with him his firearm and, as of press time, remained at large.

Bermejo said they conducted hot pursuit operation but failed to arrest Gerardo. Investigation disclosed that while the suspect and the victim did not fight prior to the incident, residents claimed the two had old grudges.

Rustom, also a resident of the village, was in the area as part of the team doing reconnaissance work for an activity of a television station. (FREEMAN)