BY MAE SINGUAY
BACOLOD City — Police arrested a suspect just hours after a shooting incident during a fiesta celebration left one person dead and five others injured in Escalante City, Negros Occidental on March 22.
The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) confirmed that the 48-year-old suspect, identified only by the alias “Joefrey,” was apprehended in a hot pursuit operation after voluntarily surrendering in Barangay Bulwangan, San Carlos City at around 11 a.m., less than 12 hours after the incident.
The shooting occurred at about 12:30 a.m. in Park Homes Housing, Sitio Buntoranon, Barangay Washington, where residents had gathered for a fiesta celebration.
The fatality sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.
Five other individuals were struck by stray bullets and are currently receiving medical treatment.
Responding personnel from the local police station immediately secured the scene and launched an investigation.
Authorities recovered several pieces of evidence, including live ammunition and spent cartridge cases from both caliber .45 and .9mm firearms, which are now undergoing forensic examination.
The suspect, also known by the alias “Michael,” is now under police custody and is set to face charges of homicide, frustrated homicide, and physical injuries.
PRO-NIR director Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay commended the swift response of ground units, citing the arrest as an early breakthrough in the case.
Authorities were still investigating the motive behind the attack and were pursuing possible accomplices.
Police also urged the public to remain vigilant and to cooperate by providing any information that may help in resolving the case./PN
