Asturias barangay chief's husband nabbed for death of neighbor

CEBU, Philippines - Operatives from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-7 (CIDG-7) have arrested the husband of a barangay captain in Asturias, Cebu for the death of his neighbor more than two years ago.

Wilson Alivio, husband of Magcalape barangay captain, Charina Alivio, was arrested by virtue of an alias warrant of arrest for the crime of murder for reportedly shooting to death his neighbor Edagado Lucob, 40, last February 11, 2008.

CIDG-7 operatives led by Chief Insp. Rene Kyamko arrested Alivio, 38, in Sitio Campo, Barangay Kibudtungan, North Cotabato last June 22 where he allegedly went hiding. The suspect was allegedly fetching water few meters away from the house of his uncle where he stayed.

Alivios’s alleged cohort, Rodrigo Garcia, who has also a pending warrant of arrest, is still being hunted by the police.

The victim and the suspects allegedly had a long standing grudge which was believed to be the motive behind the killing.

The two suspects were temporarily held for investigation right after the incident but were later released for lack of witnesses. The firearm issued to the barangay captain was also subjected to a ballistic examination

On February 19, 2008, a witness who actually saw the crime surfaced and gave his testimony. The result of the ballistic examination also showed that the empty shell recovered from the crime scene matched with Charina’s firearm.

The warrant, dated August 27, 2008, was issued by Judge Cesar Estrera of the Regional Trial Court branch 29, Toledo City with no bail recommended for the suspects’ temporary liberty.

Carmen North Cotabato Police and Detachment Command Army Aroman of Aroman, North Cotabato assisted the CIDG in the arrest of Alivio, who peacefully surrendered himself.

Kyamko said they only arrived from Mindanao yesterday as they were still looking for the other two subjects of the warrants of arrest who were also allegedly hiding in the area. They decided to go back to Cebu yesterday after they failed to arrest them.

Alivio said he went to North Cotabato after he was released by the police not to hide, but to protect himself from the relatives of the victim who might take revenge.

Both Alivio and his wife denied his involvement in the crime as he was just allegedly inside their house when the killing happened. — THE FREEMAN