Gandara (outlined in red) is a second class municipality in Samar. (Image from Google Maps)
ORMOC CITY — Some 14 gunmen shot at the houses of some barangay officials in Gandara, Samar, on the afternoon of Friday, April 12 — one of them accidentally being shot in the head, resulting in his instantaneous death.
Capt. Joselito Tabada, chief of the Gandara Municipal Police Station, identified the dead gunman as Zosimo Casaljay, who had a warrant of arrest for murder, issued by Judge Feliciano Aguilar of Regional Trial Court Branch 41 in Gandara, with no bail recommended.
According to Tabada, Casalajay was accidentally shot in the head by someone in his own group. His companions immediately fled.
In an interview, Tabada said Mylene Cabagtong, a Barangay San Antonio councilor, reported the incident to the police.
Cabagtong said the gunmen — armed with various long and short firearms — shot at the houses of Barangay Chairman Ramon Corocoto Sr, Barangay Councilor Emilda Calagos, Maria Cailo, and Arjay.
Corocoto was hit in the foot.
Tabada said the gunmen were led by Edmar Wahingon.
The police chief identified his accomplices as Jason Wahingon, Ruel Wahingon, Onyot Wahingon, Erwin Loberando, Constancio Sumagdon, Jun Verano, Joel Suarino, Zosimo Casaljay, and four others known only as Pagras, Ronick, Olok, and Dunggaw — all residents of Barangay Olira in Calbayog City.
As the gunmen were firing, residents either dropped to the ground or ran for cover.
According to Tabada, he immediately sent officers to the area, where they found the dead gunman.
Recovered from the crime scene were 15 spent 5.56-mm shells (used for M16 rifles), an .30-caliber shell (used for M1s or M14s), a deformed .30-caliber slug, three .45-caliber shells, three 9-mm shells, and a live 9-mm round.
Fearing for their safety, some 40 persons, along with other barangay officials, evacuated to the town proper.
Investigators are still determining the motive for the attack. Meanwhile, the police launched hot pursuit operations against the suspects.
/atm