Violence, whether it happens in a metropolis or in a small, out of the way place, can still shock people to the core especially if it happens in broad daylight.
Timoteo Sepada Largo, barangay chairman of Cambang-ug, Toledo City was driving his sports utility vehicle (SUV) with his girlfriend in tow when he was blocked on the road. A neighbor, Dionesio Juarez stood toting an M16 rifle.
Juarez, a member of a disbanded counterinsurgency militia, was reportedly upset over not being issued a permit for a quarrying business in the midwest city.
Largo, who was cracking down on quarrying and illegal drug activities, had earned some enemies. Aside from his militia ties, Juarez was also a former member of the Civil Security Unit in Toledo City Hall and was linked to a robbery attempt involving the city treasurer.
His eventual release, facilitated perhaps by whatever connections he may have had, coupled with his militia background may have allowed him to keep a high-powered rifle.
Largo wasn’t a saint based on a disclosure by Supt. Rodolfo Albotra Jr., chief of the Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB), who said the barangay chairman was arrested before as a suspected masiao financier.
But this wasn’t the motive behind his death and being gunned down in front of his girlfriend.
Juarez knew how to evade a dragnet of the Toledo police. The suspect is believed to have moved to nearby Balamban town.
As to when and how the police can arrest Juarez remains unanswered for now.
Even with the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, the police still has to locate Juarez whose family also quickly moved out.
Why was Juarez, a civilian with no current official standing as a security force member, in possession of a high-powered rifle?
Was the enmity really just about quarrying or another nefarious activity?
This is the bigger question in the investigation after Largo, not too long ago, had reported about a threat on his life to Toledo City Mayor John Henry “Sonny” Osmeña. The threat he sensed came from his pressure on the illegal drug trade in his neighborhood in Toledo.
Surprisingly, we hear nothing about this link in the progress of the police investigation.
Supt. Ricky Delilis, Toledo City police chief, would do well to probe further or else he has much to answer the mayor about peace and order in his area. It’s easy to forget the case as a matter of personal differences and a suspect who remains scot-free. Escaping crime without penalty – impunity –-is a recipe for a community to invite more disorder. Make sure Juarez is brought to justice, no matter where he hides.