Man runs amok in South Cotabato, 2 hurt from gunfire

KORONADAL CITY – A 67-year-old man ran amok and injured two people after being reportedly irked by the closure of a road network in Banga, South Cotabato because of the town’s foundation anniversary, the police reported.

Chief Inspector Marvin Duadua, Banga town police chief, told Radio dxOM here by phone that the suspect was identified as Norberto Javellana, a resident of Barangay Benitez in the said town. He said based on investigation, Javellana was driving his car near the town plaza about 9 p.m. but found out he could not get through because of the road blocks.

Banga was celebrating its 75th foundation anniversary and roads around the town plaza had been blocked for the culminating program there.

Duadua said Javellana suddenly pulled out a 9-millimeter pistol and indiscriminately fired it, hitting bystanders Darryl Villaruel and Salim Pandilang.

He said Javellana was arrested and charges for violation of the election gun ban and illegal possession of firearms were now being prepared against the suspect. CDG

READ: Gun ban nabs 549 in Ilocos