AUTHORITIES, in a hot pursuit operation, arrested two suspects involved in a gun attack in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, the police reported on Sunday, July 8.
Chief Superintendent Billy Beltran, Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula director, identified the suspects as Bernard Arroyo, 48, and Soffio Namucatcat, 38.
Arroyo was a former kagawad (village councilor) in Bibilik, Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur.
Beltran said the two suspects were arrested in hot pursuit operation in the village of Kawit, Pagadian City of the same province.
Beltran said investigation showed the suspects were behind the gun slay of Jessie Rey Ontolan, 39 around 6:40 p.m., Saturday, July 7 in the village of Kawit.
Ontolan's son, Jessrel, 12, was also injured during the incident.
Beltran said prior to the incident, the suspects were seen having a drinking spree in a community store.
He said the Namucatcat has offered a drink to the elder Ontolan, which the victim gladly accepted when they passed by the store.
He said Arroyo, without warning, stood up, pulled a gun from his waist and shot dead the elder Ontolan.
He said they suspects fled aboard a motorcycle but was cornered and arrested by pursuing policemen.
He disclosed that investigation continues as the arresting policemen have recovered a mobile phone with inbox message that read: "brod ayaw patya, unsay enfo dha?" (VoxPop Philippines)
