Talisay Mayor Neil Lizares said the man who fired a gun at agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) at Hacienda San Antonio Dos in Barangay, Dos Hermanas, Talisay, Negros Occidental, is under probation for cases for illegal possession of a firearm and threats.
“I have directed a full blown investigation on the incident so that legal steps may be properly taken,” Lizares said Sunday, Feb. 2.
The manhunt for the suspect was still ongoing on Sunday, Lt. Col. Salvador Trono Jr., Talisay police chief, said.
Trono said on Friday that the suspect will face charges for violation of the Commission on Elections gun ban, grave threats and illegal discharge of a firearm.
Lizares aid the police are expected to submit a report to the prosecutor’s office on Monday so a warrant of arrest can be issued versus the suspect.
“The recent incident in San Antonio Dos is alarming and unacceptable. I have always been clear on my stand that I do not and will not tolerate any kind of violence against any Talisaynon. Instead, I always promote resolving legal issues in a legal and peaceful manner,” Lizares said.
A viral video on Friday showed an angry man fire his gun at a woman holding up a cellular phone as other agrarian reform beneficiaries shout. He was in the company of five others in civilian clothing, one of whom was also visibly holding a gun.
Lizares said he has seen video.
“The public may not have a clear background on why the video happened, thus, it is important to put into record that this stemmed from a land conflict involving private parties,” he said.
The Talisay PNP has been in and out of San Antonio Dos and has been closely monitoring the situation. They have been alerted in order to avoid the conflict from escalating, he said.
“I am getting real time updates on this urgent matter until resolved. I urge all Talisaynons to respect and value the life of each other. No kind of violence can ever be justified. Conflicts of any kind can be resolved peacefully and legally,” he said.*