BORACAY – Mayor Charito Navarosa of Libacao, Aklan urged “warring families” in the hinterlands not to take the law into their hands following a shooting incident that recently claimed a life.
“We will not allow few individuals to disturb the peace and order in the barangays. Hindi dapat pabayaan ng mga pamilya, kapulisan at komunidad itong insidente para hindi tumagal ang alitan,” Navarosa said.
He added normalcy had returned in far-flung barangays of Libacao town after warring clans put an end to their decades-old conflicts which resulted to over 200 deaths and the displacement of families in the town and Tapaz, Capiz.
The families involved in “rido” or blood feud brokered a settlement four years ago in Barangay Poblacion, Libacao, Aklan to promote a harmonious and peaceful co-existence – until recently.
On Jan. 27, the 27-year-old Benjie Asiong died of gunshot wounds on the body. He was found lifeless around 3 p.m. in Barangay Dalagsaan, Libacao, according to police investigators.
Police identified the suspect as 22-year-old Emy Onao of Barangay Dalagsaan after a village watchman recovered Onao’s identification card seven meters away from the crime scene.
“Posibleng close range ang nagbaril. Ang mga tama ng baril ay severe at fatal sa biktima,” said Dr. Aldrinne Fernandez, municipal health officer of Libacao.
Benjie and Onao allegedly have a heated argument on Saturday over the latter’s unpaid debt.
“Siningil si Emy para mabayaran niya ang utang na palay, mga P1,700. Mahigit isang taon na ito at unti-unti niyang binabayaran kay kuya. Pumasok pa ito sa sakada sa Luzon upang tumakas sa pagbayad ng utang,” said Aldrin – Benjie’s brother.
Meanwhile, officers of the Libacao municipal police station conducted a manhunt operation against Onao.
“Tulungan natin ang mga pamilya na hindi sila gumawa ng illegal. Hustisya ang mangunguna dito,” Navarosa said.(With a report from Akean Forum/PN)
