Police file murder raps vs shooting suspects

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines – Police filed on Tuesday separate complaints of murder and multiple frustrated murder against two principal suspects and an “accessory” in relation to Sunday evening’s attack on a family of nine in Canlaon City, Negros Oriental.

Charged before the Canlaon City Prosecutor’s Office Tuesday afternoon were suspects, Ronie “Tingting” dela Paz and brother Julius “Didoy” dela Paz, and a certain Jerry Bellucog, the alleged guide.

Canlaon City Police chief, Supt. James Turbella, said the dela Paz brothers remained at-large while Bellucog was presented for inquest and is now under the custody of the Canlaon Police.

Bellucog was arrested immediately after the incident and is now considered an “accessory to the crime” for allegedly guiding the suspects to the Palayahay house, Turbella said.

On Sunday evening, the assailants strafed the house of Emiliano Palayahay at sitio Kombol in Barangay Mabigo, Canlaon City, killing him on the spot, and wounding three other family members: his wife Visitacion, 28-year-old son Franklin and daughter-in-law Judith.

Turbella said investigation showed a personal grudge between the family of Palayahay and dela Paz families might have triggered the shooting. - THE FREEMAN