6 suspects in Masbate shooting face murder raps

LEGAZPI CITY — Masbate police filed Sunday with the provincial prosecutor’s office a case against six suspects in the shooting in Aroroy town in Masbate province where five people, including a Sangguniang Kabataan councilor, died.

One of the suspects, Nelson Asada is now under police custody, while the other five were still at large, police said Monday.

Last Friday, three people died on the spot at the house of Nabongsoran village chief Leo Cabarles after gunmen fired at a group of men having a drinking session. Another victim died on the way to the hospital, and the last died while recovering at the hospital.

The death toll included Cabarles’ 21-year-old son Jeo, a Sangguniang Kabataan councilor, and two village watchmen.

A hot pursuit was conducted a day later, resulting to the arrest of Asada.

Masbate police are still searching for Rickymar and Ruben, both surnamed Cabarles; Edan Amparo; Vicente dela Cruz; and Rolena dela Cruz, who are all residents of the said village.

The relationship of the suspects surnamed Cabarles with the victims was not made available to media while investigation continues.

Police said that the six suspects were identified by a witness.