Suspect says his family does not trust the police

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The man wanted in connection to a recent shootout with police at Abada Escay in Barangay Vista Alegre last Tuesday surrendered yesterday to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

The suspect, formally identified as 21-year-old Edgie Sevilla Tarog, sought the assistance of Aksyon Radyo-Bacolod and his lawyer, Atty. Ceasar Beloria Jr., who subsequently delivered him to the NBI-Bacolod office, where he was presented before NBI-Bacolod chief, Atty. Renor Baldovino.

Sevilla claimed his family convinced him to surrender after learning a bystander was wounded during the incident. The injured individual, however, identified as Ronald Dela Peña, succumbed to his injuries last Wednesday at Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital.

The suspect said he chose to surrender to the NBI as his family does not trust the police to ensure his safety.

Last Tuesday, City Intelligence Unit operatives, backed by the Bacolod Mobile Force Company and Regional Special Operations Group, attempted to serve a warrant of arrest against Sevilla.

Once police arrived, Sevilla, along with three other unidentified men, allegedly opened fire.

During the firefight, a stray bullet reportedly hit Dela Peña in the stomach, while Sevilla and the three other suspects fled.

Cops immediately rushed Dela Peña to a local hospital following the incident.

Authorities recovered a .22 caliber revolver and .45 caliber revolver, which were owned by Sevilla./DGB, WDJ