By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – A criminal complaint for frustrated parricide and violation of Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004 is being prepared against a 33-year-old policeman who allegedly shot and injured his wife in their home in Barangay Ayungon, Valladolid, Negros Occidental, on Feb. 11.
Police Capt. Bonifacio Galvez Jr., deputy chief of Valladolid Municipal Police Station, said the suspect, a police corporal, was reportedly drunk when the incident happened shortly before midnight.
The suspect and his father-in-law were drinking at the couple’s house before the shooting occurred.
As the suspect was about to enter their bedroom, his 37-year-old wife, an elementary school teacher, was startled when he suddenly drew his government-issued Glock 17 9mm pistol and fired a shot.
The victim was hit in the right arm and immediately sought help from neighbors.
Their 14-year-old daughter witnessed the incident, according to Galvez.
The suspect, who is assigned to the Malay Municipal Police Station in Aklan province, was on vacation after his wife recently gave birth to their third child.
Galvez said the couple had no prior arguments or misunderstandings before the incident.
Authorities believe the suspect acted out of drunkenness.
Police recovered a fired bullet and the firearm used in the attack.
The suspect was arrested at their house and has since expressed regret over the incident.
The victim is now recovering in a hospital in Bacolod City.
Man Found Dead in Sugarcane Field Identified
Meanwhile, police identified the man found dead in a sugarcane field in Barangay Quintin Remo, Moises Padilla on Feb. 6 as Vincent Gimotea, 30, of Ajuy, Iloilo.
Police Major Romulo Gepilango, head of Moises Padilla police, said the victim’s mother positively identified the remains.
Gimotea was working and temporarily residing in Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental before his death.
A sugarcane worker discovered the victim’s body with bullet wounds to the neck, back, hand, and legs, and his face covered with a shirt.
The victim’s family said they had no knowledge of his activities in the province.
Police have yet to determine the motive behind the killing.
