Mayoral bets supporters in shootout

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Two supporters of mayoralty bets in Leganes town of Iloilo shot each other following a confrontation Thursday evening.

Neighbors Honorio Cabrera, 43, and Tito Castaño, 65, were both wounded and are now treated at hospitals in Iloilo City. Cabrera was hit on his stomach while Castaño was injured on both legs.

According to Leganes Police investigator PO1 Leo Barnuevo, the two had been at odds even before the shooting incident.

It was made worse because Cabrera was a known supporter of incumbent Mayor Ike Rojas who lost his reelection bid to former Mayor Adolf Jaen, whom Castaño supported in the recent elections.

On May 14, Castaño reported to the police that someone fired a shot at his house, accusing Cabrera as the perpetrator. A slug of caliber .45 pistol was recovered from the scene.

When Cabrera knew that he was accused of the shooting, he, armed with a caliber .45 pistol, confronted Castaño at the latter’s house.

Barnuevo said Cabrera pulled his gun and aimed at his neighbor but the latter was quick to parry the attack. While he was hit on the legs, Castaño had his 12-gauge shotgun and fired it on Cabrera.

Barnuevo said that they are waiting for charges and counter charges to be filed by the two parties against each other. (FREEMAN)