By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The barangay captain who allegedly shot a married couple in Barangay Libas, Isabela, Negros Occidental surrendered to police early Tuesday evening.

Isabela municipal police chief, Police Chief Inspector Ruben Pajarito, said Barangay Libas Captain Roy Pagapang voluntarily surrendered to the station and claimed one of the victims, Jome Gelacio, was earlier subpoenaed by the barangay following several complaints, however, he refused to comply.

Following the most recent summons, issued by Pagapang’s secretary Efren Canja, Gelacio again refused and, this time, tried to stab the barangay captain.

Pagapang claimed self-defense when he pulled out his .38 caliber firearm and opened fire, initially striking Gelacio’s wife, May Janeth.

Pagapang fired a second shot and hit Jomie in the chest.

The barangay captain and his secretary tried to flee after Jomie allegedly pulled his own gun and opened fire, hitting Pagapang’s relative, identified as Ivan Gallete.

Pajarito said they are detaining Pagapang over the incident, while both victims are still admitted at a hospital in Bacolod City./DGB, WDJ