Barangay captain’s wife takes bullet for her man

The barangay captain of Mayana, Barili town, cheated death after he was shot at in front of the barangay hall last Tuesday evening, but his wife was not so lucky and is now in critical condition.

Jonas Binondo said he was standing in front of the barangay hall with his wife, Myrna, and another companion around 10 p.m. when the suspect, identified as Elpidio Presbetero, 58, came to talk to them.

Presbetero was a former barangay captain who ran in the last 2007 barangay elections but lost to Binondo.

PO2 William Beltran said they talked for a while but then an argument ensued, although the reason behind the heated exchange was not yet clear.

Jonas said Presbetero suddenly pulled out .45 cal. pistol and pointed it at him but Myrna tried to pacify the suspect and was shot in the abdomen when Presbetero fired.

“Kalit nga nagpatunga ang biktima aron pag-depensa sa iyang bana nga giti-onan og armas.  Pagti-on sa kapitan nipatunga ang asawa unya nakablitan og nibuto gyud,” Beltran said.

The suspect fled after the incident while the victim was rushed to the Barili District Hospital but later transferred to South General Hospital in Naga City for treatment.

Responding policemen arrested Presbetero in his house and he is now detained at the police station while charges are being readied against him.  — Garry B. Lao/BRP