By Jennifer P. Rendon
A seafarer who figured in a shooting incident last year in Ajuy, Iloilo voluntarily surrendered on February 8, 2021.
Romeo Balino Jr., 36, of Barangay Tipacla, Ajuy, Iloilo turned himself in to the police after the Regional Trial Court ordered his arrest.
The suspect was accompanied by lawyer Bomrad Abonado, Sangguniang Bayan member Bonifacio Tupaz and his brother, Barangay Captain Cris Balino.
The suspect is a respondent to a murder charge (Criminal Case No. 2020-9652) and attempted murder (CC No. 2020-9653) pending in the sala of Regional Trial Court Branch 66 Judge Jose Mauricio E Gomez in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo.
No bail was set for his temporary liberty.
Lieutenant Jesus Alba, Ajuy deputy police chief, said Balino was ranked number 7 in their most wanted list.
Balino was accused of killing two cousins and hurting another in a shooting incident on Aug. 2, 2020 at Barangay Tipacla.
Police identified the fatalities as Alberto Herida, 45, and Rolly Herida, 44, both residents of Sitio Nabitasan, Tipacla.
Alberto’s older brother, 65-year-old Primitivo, was injured.
Only one count of murder was filed as the family of one of the victims executed an affidavit of desistance.
The incident stemmed from a petty argument between Balino and the victims who were allegedly drunk.
Reports said the two slain men and a certain Lovic Estacion were having a drinking spree at the latter’s store when Primitivo and the suspect arrived and joined the group.
Primitivo decided to go home earlier and left the four men to continue drinking.
All went well until Balino pulled a handgun after a petty argument ensued. The two victims subsequently grappled for the gun.
Estacion managed to take the gun from Balino’s grip and kept it inside his store. He then told the three men to go home.
Both Alberto and Rolly left the store and went to Primitivo’s house.
Balino later forced Estacion to hand him his gun.
Estacion thought the suspect will go home but the suspect proceeded to Primitivo’s house.
Primitivo said he was surprised when a bullet wheezed through his nose.
Balino then went to the house’s kitchen, kicked the door, and again shot Rolly and Alberto.
Primitivo’s wife allegedly tried to pacify the suspect but he went on shooting.
The victims were rushed to Sara District Hospital but Rolly and Alberto did not survive.
Primitivo only sustained an abrasion on the tip of his nose.
