• THERESA MAE DULMAN
A former barangay tanod was shot dead Friday night, leading to the arrest of three individuals during a follow-up operation by the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO).
The victim, identified as Ruben Altamera, was killed at the intersection of Rizal and Hilado Streets in Barangay 22, Bacolod City.
According to reports, the victim sustained a fatal gunshot wound and died instantly at the scene.
Acting on a tip regarding the location of the suspects, authorities launched a hot pursuit operation that led them to a boarding house where the persons of interest were hiding.
Despite the officers identifying themselves, one of the suspects allegedly issued threats, and two brothers, identified as ‘Jeremy’ and ‘Junjun’ attempted to flee before being apprehended.
Also taken into custody was their brother-in-law, as the police discovered a hidden cache of weapons in his room.
During the search of the premises, police recovered guns of unknown caliber believed to be used in the incident, and several rounds of live ammunition of .38 caliber and boxes of 9mm ammunition.
The BCPO confirmed that ‘Jeremy,’ one of the primary suspects, has already confessed to the killing.
Investigators believe the motive stems from a long-standing personal grudge and a series of heated altercations between the suspect and the victim.
The suspects remain in the custody of Police Station 1 as documentation for the murder charges is finalized.*
