'Tanod' shoots frat member dead

CEBU, Philippines - A 29-year-old alleged fraternity member was shot dead by a barangay tanod of Punta Princesa in Doña Maria Village early morning yesterday. 

Dennis Amarado, a trisikad driver, and alleged member of Alpha Kappa Rho, was attending a benefit dance in the area when he was shot at around 5 a.m.

While the people were celebrating the coming fiesta of the place, a trouble allegedly erupted between the group of Amarado and another group of youngsters that prompted the barangay tanods to conduct a roving inspection.

When approached by the tanods, Amarado allegedly tried to defend his companions that resulted in a heated argument between him and the tanods.

A witness alleged to the police that a chase ensued between the victim and the tanods before shots were heard and the body of the victim was found wounded.

Amarado sustained a gunshot wound to the left portion of his body and was brought to Cebu City Medical Center where he was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

The police have no idea yet who shot Amarado but Punta Princesa barangay captain Rolly Jurico said they will conduct their own investigation on the incident.

According to Jurico, the law prohibits barangay tanods from carrying firearms with them even during operation.

Punta Princesa Police station records show that the fatality has been jailed several times for theft cases.

On the other hand, the Homicide Section of the Cebu City Police Office is now conducting an investigation to confirm if the man who shot Amarado was indeed a barangay tanod, knowing that Akrho often figures in trouble with another fraternity group. — Niña G. Sumacot/WAB (THE FREEMAN)