• THERESA MAE DULMAN
Bacolod City Councilor Jude Thaddeus Sayson, chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture and Fisheries, said that the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) will investigate the alleged shooting of a fisherman by Iloilo Bantay Dagat personnel.
In a press conference, Sayson said that he will file a resolution on Wednesday, to investigate the incident that reportedly happened near the coastal boundary of Bacolod and Guimaras.
“It involves another LGU, not just Bacolod City. What I’ve heard is it is from Iloilo but I’m not sure if it’s Iloilo City or Province, we will investigate, but the bottom line is it is illegal to shoot someone,” Sayson said.
The councilor stated that shooting the fisherman was an inappropriate response, even if a violation occurred, the correct action should have been to arrest and prosecute the individual.
The reports said the incident happened last Saturday, and identified the victim as 52-year-old Reynaldo Manlangit, a resident from Barangay 2, Bacolod City.
Sayson said Manlangit is currently recovering in the hospital after he sustained a gunshot injury at his back and foot.
According to initial reports, the Bantay Dagat personnel tried to arrest Manlangit for fishing beyond the coastal boundary of Bacolod, but he fled.
The Philippine National Police Maritime Group is currently conducting their own investigation.
Sayson added that if proven that personnel from Iloilo Bantay Dagat was involved, he will ask Mayor Greg Gasataya to talk with the top officials of the LGU involved.*
