Darnayla recognizes gunman’s face

CEBU, Philippines - Police are eyeing two suspects behind the ambush of Basak Barangay Captain Isabelito "Belong" Darnayla in Sitio Kagudoy, Barangay Basak, Lapu-Lapu City last Saturday evening.

Police Senior Inspector Zenaido Pastorfide, chief of Lapu-Lapu City Police Office-Crimes Against Persons Desk, said they cannot yet divulge the identity of the two men so as not to hamper their ongoing investigation, but the suspects are reportedly natives of the same city.

Pastorfide said Darnayla physically recognized one of the two suspects.

"Ang istorya ni Kap Belong, ang usa familiar niya pero wala pa siya kaila sa pangalan. Nag-provide mi og pictures sa iyaha aron matan-aw. Nag-positive nga mao to ang gunman. Ang ikaduha nga suspect mao ang driver sa tricycle," Pastorfide said.

Darnayla was near a restobar in Sitio Kagudoy onboard his Ford Ranger (VFR 929) when he saw the gunman tap the tricycle driver's shoulder before the shooting ensued.

"Around 30 years old ang gunman. Mura og nagsabot sila daan sa tricycle driver nga alihon si Darnayla," Pastorfide said.

This is the first time Darnayla was shot in the years of being a public official. He did not receive any death threats prior.

Police have initially tagged the shooting to the captain's strong stance against illegal drugs.

"Nahibulong sad siya ngano naingon ato siya, nga naa'y nagtinguha sa iyahang life. Ang iyaha lang, para maintain ang peace and order sa iyahang lugar, iyaha gyud gi-enforce ang balaud," Pastorfide said.

Pastorfide said that as of yesterday, Darnayla was still confined at the Mactan Doctors' Hospital, guarded by personnel of Marigondon  Police Station.

Darnayla sustained gunshot wounds to his back and arms but managed drive his way to the hospital.

Meanwhile, police cannot yet comment on whether Darnayla will face a complaint under Comelec Gun Ban after it was found out that he reportedly drew a firearm to shoot back at the suspects.

The FREEMAN could not reach his mobile number yesterday for his comment.

This is not the first time an elected official in Lapu-Lapu City became a target of assailants.

In May last year, then Agus barangay captain Jovencio Lauron was killed in a shooting in Bohol.

After a month, two of the three suspects involved in Lauron's killing were also killed in a shootout with the police in the same province. The other alleged suspect was later arrested in a drug bust and yielded sachets of suspected shabu and drug paraphernalia.— (FREEMAN)