By Jennifer P. Rendon
A village chief was arrested for allegedly shooting at a barangay kagawad and a teacher shortly before midnight on September 29 in Cabatuan, Iloilo.
Reports indicated that the suspect, Barangay Captain Alfredo Jomilla Cabar Jr. of Brgy. Duyan-Duyan, Cabatuan, was under the influence of alcohol during the incident.
Despite being shot at close range, neither Ronie Hualde, 39, a teacher, nor Barangay Kagawad Sabino Bastiero Jr., 69, both residents of Manguna village, Cabatuan, were hit.
According to the victims, they were riding a motorcycle home from a fraternity brother’s birthday celebration in Sta. Barbara town when the incident occurred.
While navigating through Barangay Duyan-Duyan around 11:40 p.m., they noticed a bicycle abandoned in the middle of the road.
Thinking an accident might have occurred, Bastiero got off the motorcycle to move the bicycle to the roadside. At that moment, someone shot at him.
The victims claimed they saw Cabar slumped by the side of the road and witnessed him fire two shots at them.
They immediately fled the scene and reported the incident to the Cabatuan Municipal Police Station.
Captain Dionisio Estacio, chief of the Cabatuan police, said officers conducted a hot pursuit operation and arrested Cabar at his home, where they recovered a caliber .38 revolver in his possession.
Estacio noted that Cabar was unable to present any documents proving the firearm was licensed, nor did he have a license to possess a firearm.
“He was also reeking of liquor when we arrested him,” Estacio added.
Cabar told police investigators he managed to walk home after the incident.
Bastiero said he knew the suspect personally and claimed they had no prior conflict or disagreement.
Both victims stated they would pursue a case of attempted homicide against the suspect.
Estacio added that Cabar would also face charges for violating Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).
The recovered firearm will undergo ballistic testing, and Cabar will be subjected to a paraffin test.
