Raps filed vs. suspect in brgy Apas shootings

Charges for two counts of murder and another two counts of frustrated murder were filed against retired Philippine Air Force master sergeant Nestor Bugarin yesterday.

Telesfora, the wife of the slain Cristito Pontanar, accompanied by her daughter, Concepcion Alcos, went to the Homicide Section of the Cebu City Police Office yesterday and formally filed the said charges against her son-in-law.

Bugarin allegedly shot and killed his father-in-law, Cristito, and brother-in-law, Esmeraldo, last Friday night. The incident injured Maria Glen - the wife of Esmeraldo - and their 13-year-old son Paulo.

Maria Glen and Paulo sustained gunshot wounds and are now recuperating in the hospital.

The shooting took place following an argument involving the wife of the suspect, Anecita, who is a sister of Esmeraldo, and Maria Glen over the noise created by Bugarin’s dogs.

According to CCPO director Senior Supt. Patrocinio Comendador, they have a strong case against the suspect judging from the physical evidence and substantial evidence and testimonies from the witnesses.

Comendador said they have already coordinated with the Central Command to help them in their manhunt against the suspect after receiving reports that the suspect might be hiding inside the camp.

Bugarin is a former member of the defunct Philippine Constabulary before he joined the PAF.

“Identified siya, kumpleto sad ang atong mga ebidensya backed up with corroborative evidences and statements of the witnesses. We have very strong evidence against him,” Comendador said.

The police have already detailed security for the families of the victims after they asked for protection from Apas barangay captain Ramil Ayuman. - Edwin Ian Melecio/MEEV