Cop guns down ex-brgy chief

AJUY, ILOILO, Philippines — A former barangay captain, Tiokem Hereda, was killed after he was shot by a policeman Wednesday evening at the Ajuy National High School in Brgy. San Antonio of this town.

The suspect, PO3 Jun Tuvilla, a member of the 8th Manuever Platoon of the Iloilo Public Safety Company based in Sara town, Iloilo, however attested that he had no intention of killing Hereda.

Tuvilla said he merely defended himself when Hereda, his former classmate in school, began shooting at him and his fellow policemen.

Police investigation said the incident stemmed when Hereda and his cousins, Reynold Roa, 28, and Jojo Hereda, 22, both residents of Brgy. Progreso, were reported to have allegedly fired their guns indiscriminately inside a Videoke Bar at the Poblacion.

In civilian clothes, PO2 Ariel Palmera and PO2 Reyman Bumaras, personnel of the 8th Manuever Platoon, tried to arrest the suspects but the trio allegedly pointed their guns at the policemen who in turn radioed Tuvilla for help.

Tuvilla said he informed his superior, Inspector Arevalo, that he will respond to the call for help. He, together with PO1s Menandro Basoltin and Jupiter Mark Magolino, caught up with the suspects outside the high school.

A confrontation ensued between Tuvilla and Hereda, who shortly after drew his .45 caliber pistol and shot at the policemen while running inside the school.

"I have no other recourse but to shoot back," Tuvilla told The FREEMAN in a telephone interview.

While Hereda failed to hit any of the policemen, Tuvilla's lone gun fire hit Hereda in the back, with the bullet piercing through his vital organs.

Hereda was rushed to the hospital but he was declared dead on arrival. His companions, who did not run like what he did, were arrested but no firearm was taken from their possession.

Recovered from the crime scene were a.45 caliber pistol believed to have been owned by Hereda, five spent cartridges of .45 caliber gun, a spent cartridge of a .9mm pistol, and a pistol pouch.

Police were still studying possible charges against Roa and Jojo, but it was undetermined yet if Tuvilla will be charged for Hereda's death. - THE FREEMAN