Suspect in Bohol village councilor’s slay surrenders
INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
TAGBILARAN CITY — The suspect in the killing of a village councilor in the hinterlands of Bohol province on the eve of the May 12 elections has surrendered to authorities.
David Digal turned himself in at the Sierra Bullones Police Station a few hours after allegedly shooting dead Ernesto Cagas of Barangay Matin-ao, Sierra Bullones, on Sunday evening, May 11.
Initial investigation showed that Cagas and Digal were drinking at a neighbor’s house around 8 p.m. when a personal dispute escalated into a fatal confrontation. Digal reportedly pulled out a revolver and shot Cagas in the chest.
Witnesses said the two had a long-standing feud, intensified by political differences. Cagas supported former Mayor Simplicio Maestrado, who is running against incumbent Mayor Michael Doria—Digal’s preferred candidate.
Capt. Etelberto Timagos, chief of the Sierra Bullones police, described the incident as isolated.
Lt. Col. Norman Nuez, spokesperson for the Bohol Police Provincial Office, said the shooting would not affect the overall peace and order in the province. He urged residents to remain vigilant and to report anyone illegally carrying firearms to help prevent similar incidents.
