One killed, another injured in shootout
A serving of an arrest warrant resulted into a shootout between policemen and the suspect and his drinking buddies Thursday evening last week at Brgy. Buga, Leon, Iloilo.
The incident claimed the life of Nelson Calabio of Sitio Buntala, Poblacion, Leon town.
The fatality was one of the three companions of suspects Elias Montaño when the incident happened.
According to Leon Police Station chief Insp. Rex Jabian, they served the warrant of arrest against Montaño after receiving reports that he was seen at the house of a certain Rey Galina.
Montaño was accused for rape in relation to Republic Act 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act).
The arrest warrant against him was issued last January 21, 2003.
When policemen arrived at the area, Jabian claimed that Montaño and his three drinking buddies fired at the policemen while scampering at different directions.
“Nagpalupok sila una kag nagdalagan. So, sige palapuok, sige dalagan. Napilitan ang kapulisan ta nga magbalos,” he added.
Jabian said that policemen were left with no choice but to fire back at the suspects.
After the firefight, police saw the bloodied Montaño and Calabio.
Calabio was hit on the back of his body and buttocks.
He was rushed to ALEOSAN District Hospital but was proclaimed dead on arrival.
Montaño, on the other hand, suffered a gunshot wound on his left leg. He is presently confined at West Visayas Medical Center.
Police also recovered a hand grenade and knife at Montaño’s possession.
A caliber .38 revolver and mobile phone, believed to be owned by the suspect, and empty shells of 12-gauge shotgun were also recovered in the area.
“He is a self-proclaimed RPA-ABB member but the RPA-ABB member seemed to deny their link on the suspect. We also received information that he is fond of bringing a hand grenade, “Jabian added.
Police believed that there were other guns aside from the caliber .38 revolver taken at the crime scene.
It could have been thrown by the suspect or brought by their two companions who escaped.
Aside from facing the rape charge against him, Montaño might also be slapped with charges for illegal possession of firearm and explosive and violation of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) gun ban.
