3 died in ‘peryahan’ shooting spree

 BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Three barangay tanods were killed in a gun attack in Numancia, Aklan on July 5 by motorcycle-riding gunmen.

Senior Inspector Geo Colibao with investigators /  NUMANCIA PNP

At around 10:10 p.m. in Barangay Camanci Norte, an unidentified gunman repeatedly shot barangay tanod Walter Rembulat, 42, inside a 'peryahan'.

After the shooting, three other barangay tanods tried to subdue and arrest the gunman, however, the gunman’s companion disembarked from their motorcycle and also shot the barangay tanods.  

Rogelio Saron, 56 and Rembulat, who both sustained multiple gunshot wounds were brought to Aklan provincial hospital in Kalibo, Aklan but they were declared dead on arrival by attending physicians  at 10:30 p.m.

Another tanod identified as Jestoni Isidro, 35, also died at around 3 a.m. on July 6 while being treated at the intensive care unit of Aklan provincial hospital.

Danilo Villorente, Jr., 43, is recovering at a private hospital in Kalibo, Aklan for his gunshot wounds on his buttocks.

Meanwhile, a 9-year old girl also sustained minor injuries on her feet and shoulder from the stray bullets shot by still unidentified gunmen. The teenager was discharged from the Aklan provincial hospital after undergoing treatment.

Based on initial investigation, the barangay tanods were on-duty when the shooting incident occurred. The riding-in-tandem gunman wearing black bonnet first shot Rembulat.

During the shooting, the civilians cleared the ‘peryahan’ and scampered for safety in different directions.

Police said the driver of motorcycle also shot Saron, Isidro and Villorente when they tried to subdue the gunman. The suspects then fled towards the national highway after the shooting.

Police also responded to the incident and recovered at least 10 cartridges of caliber .45 pistol and four slugs at the crime scene.

Investigations are still ongoing by the Numancia municipal police station led by Senior Inspector Geo Colibao. 

The article was originally published by independent online blog Aklan Forum Journal. The unrestricted use in print or radio, publication and distribution of articles are allowed provided the original author and Aklan Forum Journal are credited.