Swift police response highlights election gun ban effectiveness amid shooting incident in Tago town
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
TAGO, Surigao del Sur
-- A tragic shooting incident in Purok Bahay, Barangay Unidos,
Tago, Surigao del Sur on February 25, put the region’s strict COMELEC gun ban
enforcement to the test. At approximately 8:15 AM, Tago Municipal Police
Station (MPS) received an alert from Ronald Madlos, a Barangay Tanod of
Barangay Unidos, reporting a shooting incident that occurred about 25
kilometers from the station.
According to preliminary
investigations, a 45-year-old laborer Ronald Laurente Tillo, also known by his
alias “insot” was fatally shot while fetching water around 8:00 AM. Witnesses
recounted that two motorcycles, each carrying a back rider, arrived at the
scene. The suspects dismounted, approached Tillo from opposite directions, and
cornered him before opening fire. The victim sustained four gunshot wounds to
the head and body and was pronounced dead on the spot.
In line with the
heightened security measures instituted by the COMELEC gun ban, Tago MPS wasted
no time in launching an immediate investigation. Under the leadership of
Officer-in-Charge PLT Methushela B. Desabille, officers swiftly interviewed
relatives and neighbors, gathering crucial eyewitness accounts. The Scene of
the Crime Operatives (SOCO) team from the Provincial Forensic Unit, processed
the area and recovered three fired cartridge cases, consistent with a .45
caliber pistol.
While authorities have
confirmed that the incident is not related to the election, the rapid
mobilization of police and forensic teams underscores the effectiveness of the
COMELEC gun ban measures. These measures, designed to curb election-related
firearm misuse, have also bolstered overall public safety by ensuring that any
breach, whether isolated or otherwise, is met with an immediate and coordinated
law enforcement response.
The victim’s body was
subsequently transported to San Nicolas Funeral Homes in Barangay Rosario,
Tandag City, for post-mortem examination and embalming. Tago MPS is actively
pursuing leads to identify and apprehend the unidentified suspects, and
investigators continue to probe the motive behind the shooting.
The report from authorities clarified the incident, though isolated and not linked to electoral activities, serves as a testament to the COMELEC gun ban’s role in enhancing security protocols. By facilitating prompt and decisive police action, the gun ban remains a key component in maintaining public order and deterring firearm-related violence across the region. (NGPB, PIA-Surigao del Sur)
