PINGPING DELIVERIO
Online news contributor
IPIL, ZAMBO SIBUGAY—A village resident believed to be mentally depressed created a stir in Pangi, Sunday, last week, after he holed himself up inside a health center, fired at responding policemen before burning his hiding place.
Police only identified the suspect by his first name—James—
who was said to be a former scout ranger assigned in Sulu.
Neighbors who know the suspect’s background said he had recurring mental depressions, at one time he held his family hostage inside his house and told village authorities he will blow them up.
According to a police report, James, wearing a fatigue uniform, went to the Barangay Health Center that Sunday evening and started asking if anybody knew where his family was.
CVO member Reyle Balbastro said James suddenly grabbed his .38 caliber pistol and shotgun and was overpowered by the suspect who was seething in rage.
Balbastro added he ran away and seeked assistance from village officials who then reported the matter to the police.
Minutes later, when police arrived at the scene, they were met with gunshots from James, who, after a few minutes, set the health center on fire.
Lawmen then shot the suspect when he tried to flee. Later, two grenades were found inside one of his pockets.
Barangay Chairman Elemar Villarin said their newly renovated health center cost some P800,000, complete with office and health equipments like computer and weighing scales. Part of the building was utilized as a Botika Ng Barangay.