Liga backs village chief who shot civilian
ROXAS CITY – The Liga ng Barangay (LNB) in the province of Capiz assured full support to Barangay Captain Roland Clarito who shot dead a civilian during the fiesta celebration in Brgy. Culajao.
Liga president Wilson Acervo said Clarito's shooting of Restituto Mejares was in line of duty.
He said the incident is part of the risk of being barangay a official who wanted to protect his constituents from the bad elements of society.
"It is my responsibility to give moral support to all brgy captain in times like this," Acervo said.
Clarito shot Mejares around 7:10 p.m. last Saturday while they were having a benefit dance in connection with the holding of their barangay fiesta.
Clarito claimed that what happened was an accidental firing after he grabbed the gun from the victim.
"I never intend to kill Mejares, it was only accidental when I grabbed the gun from him," Clarito said.
The barangay captain said, Mejares is known in their place as a drunkard and when he suspected that the latter had a gun he conducted a body search on him. But Mejares grappled and the gun accidentally fires hitting the victim.
Clarito added that Mejares has a bad record since he and his group stabbed the barangay tanod leader before.
On the other hand, the relative of the victim said that Mejares did not have a firearm during the time when Clarito shot the victim.