Tabuelan ABC head faces attempted murder charge

CEBU, Philippines - The police are bent on filing attempted murder charges against Tabuelan Association of Barangay Councils president, Deolito Almonacin and several other personalities for their alleged involvement in the strafing of the house of another barangay captain two days before the May 10 elections.

This despite the strong denial by Almonacin, barangay captain of Kantobaon, who personally appeared at the Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Branch (PIDMB) office the other day to allegedly clear his name.

Almonacin is allegedly involved in the strafing of the house of Kanluhangon barangay captain Carlito Rondina last May 8.

Police initially theorized that the strafing was election-related as Rondina was identified as a supporter of mayoralty bet Rex Gerona, who ran against his brother, Raul Gerona, whom Almonacin supported.

SPO4 Lamberto Hibaya of PIDMB told reporters that Almonacin admitted he owned the recovered motorcycle, which the perpetrators allegedly used as get-away vehicle after the attack.

Almonacin however strongly denied any involvement in the strafing incident, saying he allows his constituents to borrow his motorcycle but he does not have control on what the borrowers do with the vehicle.

But the police are now readying the attempted murder charges against Almonacin and other personalities who were allegedly involved in the crime.

The police said they are just waiting for the statements of the witnesses who saw Almonacin participated the strafing.

Aside from Almonacin, also to be charged are Oscarito Golbin, Ramil Baring and Leonilo Lequingan Jr. and three other unidentified persons.

For his part, Cebu Provincial Police Office, Sr. Supt. Erson Digal said that they have the motorcycle which be used as the evidence.

Earlier, Rondina went to Tabuelan Police Station to have the incident recorded in the police blotter. The complaint stated that Almonacin and Rondina had a heated argument through text message and some threats were made prior to the incident.

Hibaya added they will leave it to the prosecutor to decide if the evidence that they have is enough to support the filing of attempted murder charge against Almonacin and other personalities.   (FREEMAN NEWS)