ILOILO City – A former member of the Philippine National Police (PNP) shot two neighbors – a father and son in Barangay Bolilao, Mandurriao district on Sunday night.
While the father, 56-year-old Jose Ariate, survived, son Jorem, 21, died.
The suspect, former policeman Ariel Acopicop, 54, fled after the shooting. As of this writing, his whereabouts were unknown. The Mandurriao police launched a manhunt.
Investigators said Acopicop and the Ariatres had a decade-long feud but did not say what it was.
Jose was taken to the West Visayas State university Medical Center for gunshot wounds on the feet and arms.
According to Mandurriao police commander Chief Inspector Juvy Navales, the shooting happened at around 4:30 p.m. at the Ariate house.
A .45 pistol was used on the Ariates.
Minutes before the shooting, the suspect and victims had a spat. Acopicop who was driving a motorcycle nearly hit the Ariates.
“This prompted the younger Ariate to flash a dirty finger sign at the suspect,” said Navales.
Responding policemen recovered from the crime scene five empty shells of a .45 pistol./PN
