By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – A 38-year-old man was shot dead by his girlfriend’s father, who allegedly mistook him for a thief inside their home in Barangay Liptong, Valencia, Negros Oriental, on Wednesday.
Police Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson for the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (Norppo), said the victim had spent the night at his girlfriend’s house without the knowledge of her 80-year-old father.
According to police, the suspect was shocked to see a man sleeping beside his 36-year-old daughter when he woke up past midnight, prompting him to grab a firearm.
Polinar said the father and daughter were sleeping in separate beds but shared the same bedroom, as they were the only ones living in the house.
The victim reportedly woke up suddenly, and the suspect allegedly shot him, causing his immediate death.
The suspect later surrendered to authorities and admitted to the shooting, though no extrajudicial confession was executed before legal counsel.
Police released the suspect on Thursday following the lapse of the 36-hour reglementary detention period.
Authorities are also verifying whether the firearm used was licensed.
Polinar said the victim’s family intends to press charges, but the daughter—who was the sole witness to the shooting—has been uncooperative.
