Checkpoint shootout: 2 killed, 1 hurt

CEBU, Philippines - Two persons were killed after a shootout at a rig-up checkpoint shortly before midnight of Sunday at Barangay San Dionisio in San Rafael, Iloilo.

Chief Insp. Wilfredo Rios, San Rafael Police chief, identified the fatalities as Rex Belgira, 24, a tanod of Brgy. San Dionisio, and Gilbert Italia, 34, of Brgy. San Antonio in Barotac Viejo town.

Belgira succumbed to a gunshot wound on his chest while Italia sustained pellet wounds on his back.

Italia’s cousin, Hernani Pulmones, 45, a retired Philippine Army soldier and resident of Brgy. del Pilar in Barotac Viejo, suffered graze wound on the back of his body.

Rios said that Belgira, together with three tanods, set up an improvised checkpoint at their village after his father Remy, the barangay captain, received reports of some criminals who might pass by the area.

San Dionisio village, a short cut route in going in and out of the towns of San Rafael and Barotac Viejo, has been reported to be a convenient path for robbers.

When Pulmones, who was driving the motorcycle, and Italia passed by the area, they got alarmed after armed men flagged them down in the so-called checkpoint.

A gunfire allegedly from Pulmones’ camp was then heard. Belgira got hit, while the other three tanods returned fire hitting Italia and wounding Pulmones.

Rios said investigation is still going on now to determine who between Pulmones and Italia shot Belgira. Meanwhile, the three tanods denied shooting the motorcycle-riding men.  (FREEMAN)