By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – An argument over uncollected remittances led to the death of a businessman in Barangay Villamonte here last Monday.
The victim was identified as Jun Alaba, 59, of Barangay Estefania.
Police Captain Francis Depasucat, head of Police Station 4, said Alaba was driving a maroon sports utility vehicle (SUV) when a heated argument ensued between him and his companion, identified as 34-year-old Ronel Rafael of Toboso, Negros Occidental.
Depasucat stated that Rafael probably got irked when Alaba asked him for some uncollected remittances from his lending business.
A commotion ensued between them when Rafael allegedly drew his firearm. Depasucat was unsure if both grappled with the firearm.
Depasucat mentioned that Alaba suffered a lone gunshot wound to the stomach and was declared dead in a hospital.
Recovered from the scene were a spent cartridge, two dud cartridges, and a short firearm with a magazine.
Depasucat said Rafael was seen at the crime scene when police responded, and he even gave a statement pertaining to the incident.
Initially, Rafael was not tagged in the incident, but later in the investigation, circumstantial evidence pointed to him as a suspect, Depasucat explained.
There were no bullet holes in the car, and only the two persons were inside the vehicle.
Rafael was subjected to a paraffin test on Monday night, while the recovered firearm was turned over to the PNP Crime Laboratory for ballistic examination and identification.
Depasucat added that paraffin test results would be released within two to three days. Homicide charges were filed yesterday against Rafael, who is now in police custody.
Depasucat also mentioned that Rafael had been working for Alaba for almost a year and sometimes acted as his aide. Authorities are checking Rafael’s background for any previous offenses.
