By Jennifer P. Rendon
An elderly couple was shot and killed by a lone gunman late in the morning on October 16 in Carles, Iloilo.
Police identified the victims as Billy Bolahano, also known as Jesus Bolohabo, and Violeta Bolohabo, both senior citizens from the island village of Lantangan, Carles.
Major Sonny Boy Garnace, Carles police chief, said the couple was walking at the barangay’s public plaza when the gunman approached and shot them.
The incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, and a barangay tanod personally reported it to the Carles Municipal Police Station at 11:20 a.m.
Witnesses stated that the armed suspect fled after the shooting.
He was later spotted aboard a green flatboat heading toward the coastal municipalities of Batad, San Dionisio, Concepcion, Estancia, or Ajuy.
Three hours after the incident, the suspect was arrested in a hot pursuit operation in Purok 1, Barangay Botongon, Estancia.
Members of the Carles Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force, 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company, Estancia and Concepcion municipal police stations, Iloilo Maritime Police Station in Estancia, and the Philippine Coast Guard, apprehended Wendy Belasa, 31, of Barangay Bayuyan, Estancia.
Belasa was found in possession of a .45-caliber sub-machine pistol with a suppressor, two long magazines, a Colt .45-caliber pistol loaded with seven rounds of ammunition, 11 additional rounds, two Baofeng handheld radios with chargers, three spent shells from a .45-caliber pistol, a black holster, and a yellow-green canister containing about 3 grams of suspected dried marijuana seeds.
Also seized were an improvised tooter, an Android phone, a keypad mobile phone, PHP 833 in cash, and four disposable lighters, along with other personal belongings.
Police also confiscated his motor banca, which was equipped with a 14 HP Hakata diesel engine, a paddle, a propeller with shafting, a rudder, and an anchor.
As of press time, Garnace stated that the police have yet to question the suspect regarding the motive behind the killings.
