Two arrested for shooting, murder suspect surrenders

CEBU, Philippines — Two men were arrested by personnel of Pinamungajan Municipal Police Station hours after an alleged shooting incident in Purok Nangka, Barangay Camugao, Pinamungajan, Cebu, last Sunday evening, June 7.

The suspects, alias “Toto”, 32, and alias “Ping”, 57, both residents of the said place, were blamed for shooting and seriously injuring a 40-year-old construction worker in Barangay Camugao.

Police said the victim, together with several relatives, was fencing a portion of their land when a heated conflict connected to a long-standing right-of-way dispute between them and the suspects resurfaced.

The disagreement, allegedly involving encroachment of a store and refusal by the other party to adjust its position, had previously been brought before the barangay. The issue was thought to have been defused by relatives.

During the incident around 9 P.M., one of the suspects reportedly fired at the victim before fleeing the scene. The victim was hit in the chest and was rushed to the Toledo District Hospital.

Policemen led by Police Captain Michael John Bañes responded to the alarm and arrested “Toto” around 11:30 P.M., while “Ping” was arrested shortly past midnight.

Both were taken to the Pinamungajan Municipal Police Station for proper documentation and booking. They are set to face charges for frustrated murder.

The gun they used has not been found.

Meanwhile, a 36-year-old man with a standing warrant of arrest for murder voluntarily surrendered to the operatives of Argao Municipal Police Station, Monday evening, June 8.

He was identified as Ariel Solatorio Intervencion, 36, a resident of Barangay Langub, Argao, Cebu.

Langub Barangay Captain Felix Albor reportedly encouraged the suspect to peacefully submit himself to authorities after being informed that the suspect had a standing warrant of arrest. Albor then personally turned over the suspect to the authorities, who then served his warrant of arrest.

The said warrant for murder was issued and signed by Regional Trial Court, Branch 26 Presiding Judge Noel Darren Damian last May 3. No bail was recommended for his temporary liberty.

The arrested suspect is currently detained at the Argao Municipal Police Station pending turnover to the issuing court for appropriate legal proceedings. — Paul Benedict Sariana, CNU intern/BRP (FREEMAN)