By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – The head of a family in Barangay Cabagnaan, La Castellana, Negros Occidental is in jail after he allegedly killed his son to protect his other children from the latter’s violence.
Captain Ramel Bustamante, town police chief, said the victim identified as 25-year-old Romulo Roto Jr. was reportedly drunk when he arrived home last Sunday.
Romulo Jr. asked his eldest brother if he can borrow money, but a heated argument ensued between them.
The victim then drew his bolo and allegedly tried to hack his two brothers, who were able to elude the attack, Bustamante added.
The victim’s 56-year-old father, Romulo Sr., witnessed the incident and tried to pacify his son, but the victim allegedly continued to attack them.
To protect the family from Romulo Jr., the father took his improvised gas operated rifle (locally known as “boga”) and allegedly shot the victim’s head, Bustamante said.
“Na impito na siguro ang tatay kay basi ano pa matabo, amu to natiruhan niya,” he added.
The victim fell to the ground, but he managed to grab a piece of wood and threw it at his father.
The father also grabbed another piece of wood and allegedly struck is son’s neck which caused his immediate death, Bustamante said.
Police recovered from the scene a 28-inch bolo, and the improvised firearm.
Bustamante said the victim would usually threaten his family and neighbors whenever he’s drunk.
“Problema gid siya sa lugar basta makainom,” he added.
Bustamante said they are awaiting the family’s decision if they will pursue parricide charges against Romulo Sr.
The suspect will also be facing charges for illegal possession of firearm.
