What began as a motorcycle-riding shooting spree in Silay City has taken a dramatic turn: one suspect is now dead, and the other, an elected youth leader, has surrendered to authorities.
A day after three men were shot in different areas of Silay on July 10, the alleged gunman, 34-year-old Mark Pelayo, was killed during a buy-bust operation in his residence in Barangay Burgos, Cadiz City, on Friday night, July 11.
Lt. Col. Mark Anthony Darroca, Silay City Police Chief, confirmed that Pelayo resisted arrest and opened fire at police operatives, prompting them to shoot back.
He was rushed to the Cadiz Emergency Clinic but was declared dead on arrival.
Pelayo was tagged as the main suspect in the shooting spree that injured security guard Christopher Tupas, 47; e-bike driver Fernando Alarcon, 52; and maintenance worker Wilmer Montarde, 45.
Alarcon later died in the hospital, making him the first confirmed fatality in what police say appeared to be a random attack.
Pelayo’s alleged accomplice, known only as “RR,” an SK kagawad from Barangay Canlusong, E.B. Magalona, turned himself in to the Silay Police Station the next day.
He was the driver of the motorcycle used in the attack.
TRACED THROUGH CCTV
Pelayo was not initially known to be the suspect in the Silay shootings when Cadiz police launched a drug operation against him. He had been listed as a street-level drug personality.
During the sting, Pelayo allegedly sensed he was dealing with undercover officers and fired at them. Police recovered a .45 caliber pistol with bullets, 20 grams of suspected shabu worth P136,000, and various drug paraphernalia from his home.
Unbeknownst to the Cadiz police, Pelayo had already been identified by Silay authorities through security camera footage, which showed him riding with RR during the July 10 shootings.
His clothing and sling bag, worn during the attack, were found at his Cadiz residence.
MOTORCYCLE DRIVER
In an interview, RR said he had no idea that Pelayo planned to carry out a shooting spree.
He claimed the two had traveled to Bacolod to retrieve Pelayo’s motorcycle, and had only stopped in Barangay Lantad to change clothes.
“While we were driving, I heard a gunshot. I asked him what happened, but he just told me to look straight ahead,” RR said, adding that he was too afraid to stop or flee, fearing Pelayo might also shoot him.
The shooting spree began in Jalandoni Ville, where Tupas was shot in the thigh.
Minutes later, Alarcon was gunned down along Rizal Highway and later died in the hospital.
Montarde, the final victim, was shot in front of Alegria Subdivision and is still recovering.
RR said Pelayo was a former customer of his as a motorcycle mechanic.
After the shootings, Pelayo dropped him off in Victorias City and left.
A relative of Pelayo earlier told police the gunman may have been hallucinating, believing he was being chased by a group of people.
Police confirmed he had once belonged to a group but reportedly cut ties, becoming paranoid.
RR has since apologized to the families of the victims. “I’m deeply sorry for what happened. I didn’t know he was armed or that he planned to do that,” he said.
CHARGES
RR is now facing charges of three counts of frustrated murder.
With one of the victims dead, one of the charges may be upgraded.
His family has also expressed willingness to place him in a rehabilitation program if needed.
Police said the investigation is still ongoing, with forensic tests planned to examine the recovered firearm and bullets.*