BACOLOD CITY – Two bodyguards of a businessman died in a gun duel during a team building activity inside a resort in Barangay 4, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental Saturday, July 10.
Police Major James Latayon, Sipalay City police chief, identified the fatalities as Fernando Silanga, 46, of Taguig City; and Gary Labrador, 46, of Bago City.
Latayon said that Silanga and Labrador figured in a heated argument at the peak of their team building event.
Latayon said that some of their companions tried to pacify them but because both of them were reportedly under the influence of liquor, Labrador allegedly fired his gun at Silanga, who also retaliated.
Both of them suffered multiple bullet wounds. Labrador died on the spot while Silanga was declared dead on arrival in a hospital.
Police recovered from the scene fired cartridges of .45-caliber pistol and .9mm caliber pistol.
Firearms used in the shooting incident were not recovered at the crime scene, police said.
Meanwhile, Latayon said that a van boarded by their companions was later intercepted in Cauayan, Negros Occidental.
Latayon said they were held for a while for questioning, but they denied any participation in the crime. He said they could not tell yet if Labrador and Silanga had grudges against each other.
Police are looking into misunderstanding the motive behind the incident.