ZAMBOANGA CITY — A barangay kagawad was shot dead in the early hours of Wednesday after he was allegedly attacked by his own son-in-law following a confrontation linked to a barangay fiesta celebration in Sitio Inner, Barangay Quiniput, Zamboanga City.
The victim was identified as Warlito Sanson Salvador, 57, a barangay kagawad of Barangay Quiniput.
Based on the initial police investigation, the fatal shooting occurred at around 2:20 a.m. in front of Salvador’s residence while he was having a drinking session with several companions.
Authorities said tensions allegedly escalated after a public disco organized as part of the barangay’s annual fiesta celebration. Witnesses claimed that the suspect, identified as Alvin Francisco, suddenly appeared at the scene and allegedly shot Salvador at close range in the head, resulting in the victim’s instantaneous death.
Police said the suspect is reportedly the son-in-law of the slain barangay official.
Francisco denied involvement in the killing but admitted that he and the victim allegedly had prior personal conflicts even before the incident took place.
Following the shooting, police officers from Curuan Police Station immediately launched an operation that led to the suspect’s arrest at around 3:00 a.m., barely an hour after the incident.
The arrest was reportedly carried out with the assistance of Barangay Chairman Kristian Perez, Barangay Chairman Aries Gonzales, and Curuan police authorities.
Investigators are now reviewing CCTV footage from the area to establish the exact sequence of events and determine the motive behind the killing.
Authorities said murder charges are being prepared against the suspect, who is currently under police custody.
The killing shocked residents of Barangay Quiniput, where fiesta celebrations turned into tragedy after the violent incident claimed the life of a local village official.