Two in barangay chief’s murder try face charges

CEBU, Philippines - The two men arrested from allegedly trying to kill the barangay captain of Babag, Cebu City are now facing charges before the Office of the Cebu City Prosecutor.

The Fuente police yesterday filed attempted murder complaint against Froilan Orlanez and Charles Garces, all residents of Barangay Tinago

During the inquest proceeding, Garces chose not to file counter-affidavit to negate the allegations filed against him. Instead, he manifested before state prosecutor Sarah Vanessa Lacno to face the charges in court.

Orlanez was confined at the Cebu City Medical Center after he sustained a wound to his left foot after being shot by a bodyguard of barangay captain Cesar Dolorito.

Dolorito hired personal bodyguards after he reportedly received threats to his life.

Garces said he knew Orlanez because they were neighbor. However, he has no idea who was the mastermind behind the attempt to kill Dolorito.

He said someone hired him along with three others, including Orlanez, and promised to pay them P50,000.

“Upat mi kabuok pero ang usa wala nipadayun. Gidawat kuni nga offer tungod sa kawad-on kay on and off akong trabaho isip panday,” Garces said, adding he was the backrider of Orlanez during the incident.

Dolorito told the media that prior to Wednesday’s incident, he received death threats which he reported to the City Intelligence Branch.

The barangay captain believed that his being involved in land consultancy business was the motive behind the attempt to kill him.

On Thursday around 3 a.m., Dolorito said two unidentified men appeared before the Barangay Hall and asked for his whereabouts.

“Wala pa ko kahibawo kinsa ang behind gyud ani. Dili sila mutug-an. Di nako ma-trace kun kinsa pero naa ni relation sa business nako… maybe suya-suya,” he added.

An attempted murder case carries a bail bond of P40,000. — Mylen P. Manto/LPM (FREEMAN)