Barangay chairman in Samar arrested over alleged murder of 2 soldiers

A barangay chairman in Motiong, Samar has been arrested for alleged murder and frustrated murder in connection with the 2015 shooting incident in Paranas town that killed two soldiers, the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said Friday.

In a statement, the CIDG identified the accused as Barangay Sawar chairman “Antonio” who was apprehended on Sunday by virtue of arrest warrants, which were issued in November 2016.

The CIDG said that on May 15, 2015, the accused with 14 co-accused allegedly opened fire using high powered firearms to government troops in Barangay Concepcion in Paranas.

“The attack resulted in the instantaneous death of two Private First Class soldiers of Armed Forces of the Philippines and almost took the lives of two other troops,” the CIDG said.

According to the CIDG, the accused for nine years allegedly evaded arrest by transferring places within the mountainous areas of the barangay.

CIDG acting director Police Brigadier General Christopher Abrahano commended the efforts of the Western Samar Provincial Field Unit in the operation.

“It underscores our commitment in accounting and arresting all wanted persons and fugitives nationwide. With this arrest, we helped the victims, and their family attain the justice they deserved. Maraming salamat sa inyo,” he said. —AOL, GMA Integrated News