Brgy tanod shot by person he reported to cops

CEBU, Philippines - A barangay tanod landed at the hospital after a man, whom he allegedly reported to the police earlier, shot him in Barangay San Roque last Sunday noon.

Victim Serafin Britania, 42, sustained a gunshot wound in his back after he was shot by one Ibo Lastimosa, a resident of Barangay Dumlog, Talisay City.

Britania was reportedly driving a bike on his way to work at Arellano corner Palma St. when he passed by Lastimosa, who was also on his bike but in a stationary position.

Lastimosa then asked the tanod where he was off to and the latter replied.The tanod, who was on duty that time, was then on his way to Aleson Shipping Lines where he also reportedly works as a look-out.

Britani was executing a right turn when he heard a burst of gunfire. He turned around and saw Lastimosa holding a gun.

The suspect was about to shoot him again, but the gun misfired.

The victim realized moments later that he was hit on the right portion of his back with the bullet exiting through his stomach.

Despite being wounded, the victim sped off towards Waterfront Police Station. This time, the suspect shot him again but missed.

The victim arrived at the police station and sought help. Police officers rushed him to the Cebu City Medical Center.

The tanod told policemen that sometime in January, Lastimosa suspected him as the one who informed the Waterfront Police of the presence of an armed person, who was identified as Lastimosa. In response, the police conducted a pursuit operation against the suspect but they failed to arrest him.

Police also ran after the suspect after shooting the tanod, but the suspect was nowhere to be found.

San Roque barangay captain Rogelio Ruizo said the tanod is now in a stable condition.

Ruizo described the victim as an effective barangay tanod.

“Usa na siya sa akong mga tanod na mudakop g’yud sa mga snatchers. Daghan sad na siyang gibantayan na mga shipping lines. Gi-task siya to look out, (He is one of my tanods who really arrests snatchers. He is also tasked to look out for a lot of shipping lines,)”said Ruizo.

The barangay captain said being a barangay tanod is also being like a police officer because of the risks in reporting the wrongdoings of a person so their information should be kept confidential so as to protect their lives.

Ruizo said they will help pay the tanod’s hospital bills through the funds of the Association of Barangay Councils.  (FREEMAN)