Tanod killed by relative in Cordova

CEBU, Philippines - A barangay tanod was killed by his own relative while securing a benefit dance early morning in Barangay Buagsong, Cordova yesterday.

Suspect Ronilo Tora, 33, admitted to the crime but said he did it for his brother who is reportedly the alleged enemy of the victim, Eduardo Tora, 49.

Eduardo succumbed to a gunshot wound on the head and a lacerated wound on the right side of his body, which makes the Cordova police suspect that he was killed by more than one man.

He was declared dead by municipal health officer Dr. Christopher Calimbas.

Chief Insp. Alvin Balio, head of the Cordova police, said Eduardo was securing the entrance to the dance floor when an unidentified man approached him around 2:30 am and informed him that a mauling incident had happened near a chapel located 200 meters away.

Eduardo reportedly went to the area alone to verify the information. Moments later, discogoers heard at least four bursts of gunfire.

Police, however, only found a lead of a bullet at the scene.

Working on a tip from a concerned citizen, police subsequently arrested Ronilo at the house of his sibling in Magallanes St., Cebu City, around 10:30 a.m. on the same day.

Balio said Ronilo had said he did not mean to kill Eduardo, but only defended himself during a scuffle. Ronilo further said Eduardo was under the influence of liquor at that time.

“Kontra na man kuno daan ang tanod ug ang manghod sa suspect pero ang suspect lang ang nipalit,” police said.

SPO1 Henry Amores, Cordova police investigator, said the two men had an argument prior to the incident.

“We still have to investigate the case including the involvement of the suspect’s brother,” Amores said.

Police also recovered an improvised shotgun or “pugakhang” from Ronilo.

Police are preparing a complaint for murder against Ronilo who is now behind bars at the Cordova police stockade. – (FREEMAN)