By Jennifer P. Rendon
A criminal case was slapped against a seafarer who allegedly killed a village councilman in Cabatuan, Iloilo over the weekend.
Police Major Niño Leonard Amar, Cabatuan police chief, said the homicide case was filed against Eric Tanchuan on Tuesday before the Iloilo Provincial Prosecutors Office.
The 34-year-old Tanchuan was arrested following the death of Barangay Kagawad Ricky Esgra, 52, of Tiring village, around 10:40 p.m. of Sunday.
Esgra was the barangay council’s chairman on the Committee on Peace and Order.
Police Executive Master Sergeant Vito Bastiero Jr., Cabatuan police investigator, said the victim came from the barangay hall when he encountered Tanchuan’s group.
When Esgra passed by the group, Tanchuan allegedly made an indistinct shout for no apparent reason. It remains unclear if the suspect shouted at the victim.
The victim shouted back at the suspect.
When Tanchuan heard Esgra shout back, he ran after the victim and punched the latter’s jaw.
Esgra fell to the ground after the attack.
Tanchuan’s companions rushed the victim to the nearby Ramon Tabiana Memorial District Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.
Amar said investigation showed that Tanchuan, who arrived home in January 2020, had a previous grudge with the victim.
“We don’t know how it exactly started but they’re not in good terms,” he said.
Meanwhile, Barangay Captain Eduardo Muyuela noted that Esgra was known in their village for admonishing those who violated the curfew hours and liquor ban.
Muyuela said that Tanchuan had no records of misdemeanor in their barangay before Esgra’s death.
