Tanod faces raps for shooting in Danao

CEBU, Philippines - A barangay tanod will face criminal charges for allegedly shooting a 27-year-old man when he was trying to pacify a trouble in Barangay Dungo-an, Danao City shortly before evening last Thursday.

Christopher Meca sustained two gunshot wounds in different parts of his body after he was shot by Condrado Gimenez, 48.

Meca was taken to the Danao Provincial Hospital and was later referred to Don Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City.

Police arrested Gimenez but they failed to recover the unknown caliber of firearm he used. He is now detained at the Danao City police stockade.

Chief Insp. Ricky Delelis, Danao City police chief, said Gimenez was responding a trouble alarm when the incident happened.

When Gimenez arrived he immediately pacified Meca and his father, Cesario, who were reportedly raising their voices and were allegedly hurting each other.

 Delelis said that instead of heeding Gimenez’s request, the barangay tanod was allegedly mauled by Meca and his other relatives.

“Pinagtulungan ‘yung tanod kaya nagself-defense naman siya,” Delelis said. (They ganged up on him so he had to defend himself.)

Gimenez pulled out his unlicensed firearm and shot Meca, hitting him in the left arm and left thigh.

Delelis said Gimenez may have panicked when the victim and the relatives mauled him. Police are preparing charges for attempted murder and illegal possession of firearm against Gimenez.     - THE FREEMAN