Cops await surrender of ex-rebel hitman over Oton shooting
Authorities are optimistic of a surrender "anytime soon" on Friday night's shooting that seriously injured three locals in Oton, Iloilo. The suspect, a former rebel who availed of government amnesty and has since served as volunteer "police" or tanod commander of Barangay Pakiad in said town.
Ongoing investigation conducted by the Oton Police Office tagged Rodolfo "Digol" Suyo as the sole shooter. His victims, 20 year-old Glenn Gonzaga, 40 year-old Reynaldo Tugado and 21 year-old Romeo Mirasol. Of the three, Gonzaga remains in most critical condition with gunshot wounds in the chest and back. The trio was brought to the Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) in Mandurriao, Iloilo City where they have since been kept under confinement.
In a report, The News Today gathered that the incident stemmed from a verbal exchange primarily between the suspect and Gonzaga, the latter reported to be a habitual source of trouble in the barangay. In fact, sources told The News Today, bookings in the barangay would show numerous complaints against Gonzaga. It was believed that the incident was triggered by the victim and got Suyo to loose his control.
The two others who were drinking buddies of Gonzaga similarly sustained gunshot wounds believed to have been caused by a 38 caliber revolver owned by the said ex-rebel turned tanod commander. The weapon used in the shooting has yet to be recovered.
The News Today also learned of last minute surrender pleas made to Suyo by Pakiad Barangay Captain Gloria de los Santos. The communication was made late Friday evening to early Saturday morning with Suyo still in possession of the barangay's handheld radio.
SPO2 Nery Legislador and PO3 Danilo Noca lead the extensive probe.