Councilor's shooter mauled by crowd?

CEBU, Philippines - The death of Patrocinio Baring, who tried to shoot a Lapu-Lapu City councilor Saturday, could have been caused by physical injuries and not by loss of blood alone.

This, after reports have surfaced that Baring was allegedly beaten up by some people who were at the Mahayahay cockpit in Barangay Gun-ob when the incident happened.

That day, Councilor Leo Mercado was about to get inside the comfort room when Baring reportedly blocked his way before attempting to shoot him. Baring's 9mm pistol misfired and Mercado was able to run his way out to cheat possible death.

Police Senior Superintendent Armando Radoc, officer-in-charge at Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, already called on the Homicide Section and Police Station 3 to examine the incident further amid rumors that the 67-year-old assailant might have died from the beating he got.

"I recommended to the Homicide Section to have it (Baring's body) autopsied kay mao may istorya nga gibunalan siya…That cannot be ascertained yet kay mahulog man nga rumors siya," said Radoc.

Police are now verifying reports that Baring -- a reported ex-convict with a pending homicide case and a former employee at the City Hall -- was purportedly pounded to the ground by some persons.

The police director said Senior Police Officer 4  Edgardo Sagarino, who was first to respond at the crime scene, acted in accordance with police operational procedure based on investigation.

"SPO4 Edgardo Sagarino responded to the reported trouble alarm in accordance with police guidelines… Of course, what he did was also justified."

Before the turmoil, Sagarino was dressed in civilian attire, about to go to the market when a certain Vic Radaza called the police and informed him that he needed police back-up.

The suspect, who was armed with a 9mm pistol and an emotional grudge on Mercado, attempted to shoot him but failed twice due to malfunctioning of the gun's chamber load.

At the height of the chaos at the cockpit that day, Mercado, according to Radoc, said "Ayaw na ninyo hilabti (si Baring)" as the latter was the councilor's friend. Mercado's warning, however, proved futile as a crowd was already angry at Baring.

When Sagarino arrived and acknowledged police presence, Baring reportedly attempted to shoot Sagarino but failed again. At this moment, Sagarino shot the suspect in the thigh and hip to "neutralize the incident."

Baring was rushed to Lapu-Lapu City Hospital where he eventually died possibly of substantial loss of blood, police said.

Though the allegations are still under examination, Radoc told The FREEMAN he already ordered getting accounts from all the source witnesses, including Mercado and Sagarino, and others who were in the area.

Radoc said whether or not relatives will pursue a case against those who may have mauled Baring, investigation will still continue.  (FREEMAN)