Tanod shot dead by neighbor in Barili

CEBU, Philippines - A barangay tanod was shot dead by his neighbor in Barangay Malolos, Barili town Thursday afternoon.

The victim, Richie Caballes, 28, succumbed to a lone gunshot wound in his left chest and was declared dead by the municipal health officer at the Barili District Hospital.

The suspect, Andrew Marabillas, remains at large and is now subject to a manhunt operation.

Police investigation revealed that Caballes was waiting for a motorcycle-for-hire along the road past 2:00 in the afternoon when Marabillas approached him and slapped him hard on the head twice which resulted to a commotion.

The barangay tanod fought back and punched Marabillas in the stomach which prompted Marabillas to draw his gun and shoot the victim once.

Personal grudges could be the motive of the incident, said PO2 Pablito Cadlawon of Barili Police Station.

Police said that prior to the incident, Caballes once pacified a fight between one of their neighbors and Marabillas’ wife which pissed off Marabillas.

Police could not, however, give further details as to what the trouble was about at that time and are further investigating the incident.

“Dunay away sa silingan ug sa asawa sa suspek nga diin kining tanod nitabang og pacify unya basin gilain og sabot sa suspek maong nasuko posible maoy hinungdan. (The victim helped pacify a fight between the suspect’s wife and their neighbor. This might have angered the suspect),” Cadlawon said.

Police are now preparing appropriate charges against Marabilla. (FREEMAN)