Ex-barangay treasurer shoots barangay captain over receipts

CEBU, Philippines – A barangay captain in the northern town of Tabuelan landed in the hospital after he was shot by the former treasurer of the barangay who was terminated two weeks ago.

Ricardo Rondina, barangay captain of Kanluhangon, Tabuelan was hit on the shoulder after Daniel Montealto shot him following an argument early yesterday morning.

Investigation revealed that Rondina went to Montealto's house located in the neighboring barangay of Calambua, San Remigio. The barangay is the boundary between Tabuelan and San Remigio.

The barangay captain reportedly went to Montealto's residence to demand for the receipts of the barangay clearances and other pertinent documents. Montealto allegedly refused to hand over the receipts, which resulted to a verbal tussle. At the height of the argument, Montealto went inside his house to get his carbine.

Sensing that something was not right, Rondina rushed to his motorcycle, but his right shoulder still caught the bullet. He, however, managed to drive away from the area and reported the incident to Tabuelan police chief Insp. Florendo Fajardo. 

Montealto was subsequently arrested at his house while Rondina was brought to the Severo Verallo Memorial Hospital in Bogo City. He is now out of danger.

In an interview with The FREEMAN, Fajardo said it remains unclear why Montealto was terminated as barangay treasurer, but said political differences might have something to do with it because Rondina and Montealto belong to different political parties.

Fajardo said Montealto reportedly refused to hand over the receipts to Rondina because the town mayor reportedly still recognizes him as the treasurer of Barangay Kanluhangon.

Montealto is currently detained at the San Remegio Police Station pending the filing of charges against him. (THE FREEMAN)