Kagawad killed over land conflict in Aklan

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL 

A barangay kagawad was killed and another person was injured in the hacking and shooting incidents related to land dispute in Libacao, Aklan. 

The incident took place at around 7 a.m. Thursday at Barangay Loctuga, about 50 kms from the capital town of Kalibo. 

Alberto Asiong, 46, died on the spot with gunshot and hacking wounds to his body.  

The 54-year old suspect Danilo Idala, also from Loctuga, Libacao, Aklan, sustained gunshot wounds to his head. He then surrendered to a Cafgu detachment in Loctuga after the incident, the police said. 

Later, Idala was taken to Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital in Kalibo, Aklan where he was treated. 

Initial investigation said Asiong and his son were working in the rice field when Idala arrived at around 7 a.m.

Police said a heated argument between Asiong and Idala ensued until the victim allegedly drew his weapon and shot the suspect.

Asiong, however, failed to seriously hit Idala and the latter who was armed with a bolo hacked the victim several times. 

Asiong’s son, who was plowing the rice field, saw his father shouting for help also drew his firearm and shot Idala.  

Both were hit by the bullets from the firearm of Asiong’s son, the police added. 

At around 1 p.m. Thursday, responding policemen from Libacao police station recovered from the crime scene empty shells of improvised firearm. 

In an interview, Libacao vice mayor Charito Navarosa said the two had long-standing conflict that resulted to the fatal killing of Asiong. 

“The incident has something to do with land dispute of families,” he said.

Rido or feuding between families in the hinterlands of Libacao, Aklan is characterized by the extra-judicial use of violence that seeks blood and revenge. The common causes of rido are land dispute, carabao/cattle rustling, grudge, accusation and crime against women.