Barangay captain killed in Toledo

CEBU, Philippines - A barangay captain in Toledo City died after he was shot several times by his neighbor whom he was arguing with yesterday morning.

The victim was identified as Timoteo Largo, 65, the barangay captain of Cambang-ong.

Investigation revealed he was driving his Ford Everest on the way home with his live-in partner, Joely Baroman, 24, when they were blocked along the national highway in Sitio Cabulihan by Dionesio Juarez who was on board a mini van.

SPO3 Henry Acosta, the investigator, said Largo and Baroman had come from Sitio Kawayan to inspect a site for an alternative access route. The barangay captain was reportedly planning to construct a barangay road there.

Witnesses said the two men alighted from their respective vehicles and reportedly argued in the middle of the street but Juarez eventually pulled out an armalite rifle and shot Largo several times. Largo still reportedly managed to run but Juarez followed him and fired more shots.

The victim slumped to the ground near a sari-sari store, which also bore a bullet hole.

A man identified as Disederio Pacris, 31, from Aloguinsan town, was reportedly hit in his left chest when he was driving by the area with his motorcycle just as Juarez was pulling the trigger.

He ended up at the Toledo City Hospital where Largo was also brought but was declared dead on arrival. Pacris had to be transferred to a hospital in Cebu City for further treatment.

Out of shock, Baroman froze in her seat in the Everest until the suspect approached her, reportedly aimed the gun at her, and said mockingly that she could report the incident to the police.

Witnesses said Juarez then fled toward mountain barangay.

Responding policemen from the Toledo Police Station and the Special Weapons and Tactics Team recovered Juarez’s mini van abandoned in Barangay Camban-og.

Supt. Ricky Delelis, station chief, said both Largo and Juarez had prior records. The barangay captain was arrested in August last year for illegal gambling while the suspect was tagged in a robbery case but was eventually cleared. – (FREEMAN)