Barangay chief ends term in jail

CEBU, Philippines - SPO1 Maximo Lapa of Pari-an Police Station said that Rey Cañada, 50, accidentally fired his 9mm pistol at around 9:40 in the evening while residents and his supporters watched a boxing match (Pinoy Pride) outside the barangay hall.

Senior Insp. Ardoelito Cabagnot and other police personnel of Pari-an aboard their patrol car happened to pass by the area after conducting checkpoint and caught Cañada immediately after firing the gun.

"Ambot unsang pagkahitabo basta nakapabuto siya sa iyang armas," Lapa said.

A liquor test result showed that the suspect was tested positive of intoxicating liquor when taken at the Cebu City Medical Center.

Police also recovered from Cañada the firearm with the magazine loaded with live bullets issued by the Cebu City government.

Cañada, 50, is now detained at the Pari-an Police Station detention cell.

The Freeman tried to get the statement of the suspect but declined to be interviewed.

His supporters also declined to give their statements though some said the former barangay captain was not trying to shoot someone.

Lapa said a charge for violating the City Ordinance 1929 or for drunkenness and a separate case for alarm and scandal will be filed against the former barangay captain today.

Winners of the last October 28 barangay elections started reporting for duty yesterday while former barangay officials, including Cañada, ended their term at Saturday midnight.— (FREEMAN)