By Jennifer P. Rendon
A 27-year-old man was shot by his neighbor in Barangay Bagongbong, a hinterland village in Lambunao, Iloilo, on the morning of Jan. 15.
The victim, Rico Clemente, sustained two gunshot wounds to his back and was initially taken to Dr. Ricardo Ladrido Memorial Hospital in Lambunao.
He was later transferred to Western Visayas Medical Center in Iloilo City for further treatment.
Police reports revealed that Clemente was drinking with a friend, identified only as “Pending,” at the house of Arman Lego around 8 a.m. when the suspect, known as Alias Intsik Arenga, arrived and allegedly shot him twice.
Major Roy Tayona, Lambunao police chief, said drunkenness was the likely motive behind the incident. Clemente had reportedly been drinking since the previous night.
Before continuing the drinking spree at Lego’s house, Clemente had attended a wake where he had a misunderstanding with the suspect.
Arenga was also believed to be intoxicated at the time of the altercation.
The suspect fled after the shooting but was apprehended around 10 a.m. at his brother’s house in Barangay Bagongbong, a mountainous village about 25 kilometers from the town center.
Arenga is now in police custody as authorities prepare charges against him.