Village chief, civilian killed in Capiz shooting
ROXAS CITY – A barangay captain and a civilian were killed after a commotion occurred during a benefit dance in Sitio Bocboc, Quios, Panitan, Capiz last Feb. 26, 2009.
The fatalities were identified as Quios Barangay Captain Dante Del Mendo and John Pionelo, 23. Del Mendo suffered a lone but fatal gun shot wound on his breast. He was rushed to the Capiz Emmanuel Hospital but declared dead on arrival by the attending physician. Pionelo also sustained gunshot wounds on his head and hack wounds on the different parts of his body resulting to his instant death.
Initial investigation conducted by the Panitan police station revealed that the incident took place around 9 pm while there was a benefit dance in connection with the barangay fiesta.
A commotion occurred then burst of gunfires were heard causing the benefit dance to stop.
Brgy. Kagawad Jobert Acuesta said that upon hearing the gunfires, he and Pionelo went to scene where he saw Del Mendo shot by somebody while Pionilo was also shot upon arrival.
To recall, Del Mendo was a controversial barangay captain after he was meted with 90 days suspension last year by the Panitan Sangguniang Bayan for neglect of duty and abuse of authority.
His accusers were Bgry. Kagawads Acuesta, Orlando Besrosio, Jose Doron, Francisco Pionilo and Ronaldo Hontiveros.
Del Mendo is one of the 13 barangay captains who supported Tincupon Brgy. Captain Richard “Bantit” Dadivas, an opponent of Liga ng mga Barangay President Ignacio Deocampo.
The family of Del Mendo is now seeking the help of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to determine the motive of the killing.