BACOLOD CITY – New People’s Army rebels gunned down a former barangay tanod or watchman in Barangay Puso, La Castellana, Negros Occidental on Sunday, Nov. 20.
Police identified the victim as Jovanie Omboy, 43, of Barangay Montilla, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental.
Capt. Rhojn Darell Nigos, La Castellana police chief, said that Omboy and his live-in partner were walking on their way home when they were waylaid by 10 unidentified armed men.
The gunmen asked the victim’s common-law wife if Omboy was a member of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU).
The victim ran to hide but he was chased and shot by the suspects who fled on foot.
Police recovered from the crime scene some fired bullets for a .45 caliber firearm and 9mm firearm.
Nigos said they are looking into the possibility that Omboy was mistaken as an informant of the Philippine Army since he would usually go to the CAFGU detachment in Moises Padilla.
The La Castellana police chief said they are also eyeing grudges and work as possible motives.
Nigos said the victim had been arrested for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Law in Moises Padilla but he was released after he posted bail.