ILOILO CITY – Old grudge sparked the murder of an ex-barangay captain in Tigbauan town, Iloilo province, police said.
The Tigbauan Municipal Police Station has filed murder charges against John Castro Jr. who confessed to killing former barangay captain Joevanie Triste of Barangay San Rafael on Oct. 24.
“Based on investigation conducted, the very motive of the suspect in killing the victim is old grudge and it is very personal,” said Police Staff Sgt. Glenn Mark Abayon, Tigbauan MPS investigator, in a report submitted to the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO).
The grudge allegedly dates back to February 2019 when Triste, who was then the barangay captain, led authorities to search the house of Castro.
Castro bumped into the victim on his birthday on Oct. 24.
Witnesses heard Castro say to Triste: “Dako nga perwesyo ang ginta-o mo kanakon! (You caused such a huge inconvenience to me!)” Moments later, shots were heard.
"It can be gleaned from the facts and circumstances that the motive of killing the victim was a personal grudge and not election-related," police said. “This case is considered cleared,” police said.
Police said Castro was previously arrested for possession of illegal firearms and other complaints but were settled.
Castro surrendered and his case is now at the Iloilo Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.