Councilor, gunman slain, 7 hurt in Isabela feast; PNP chief orders probe

By Villamor Visaya Jr.

TUGUEGARAO CITY––Police in Cagayan Valley have launched an investigation on the fatal shooting on March 8, during a village feast in San Pablo town, Isabela province, that left two people dead and seven others wounded.    
    This, after Philippine National Police chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos ordered an investigation into a shooting incident.
Carlos ordered police to conduct a thorough probe into the incident, considering that it involved barangay officials.
    ”The alleged culprit may have been killed, but we want to find out the real motive for the crime to avoid similar violent acts,” the PNP chief said in a statement.
    Investigators said the fatalities were village councilor Gerlan Telan of Barangay Dalena while the alleged gunman was identified as Marcelo Constantino, 23.
    The villagers were in the middle of dancing when Constantino allegedly shot Telan and village chief Briscio Gammaru, police said.
    Telan died, while Gammaru was wounded.
    The police said the victims’ companions responded and shot the suspect, who was declared dead on arrival at a hospital.
    Other reports however said Constantin was allegedly killed in a shootout with responding policemen.
    Also wounded in the shooting were Isidro Mamauag, Michael Mansibang, Vicenta Guiquing, Jose Mamauag, Sofrino Crisologo, and Allen Cauan.
    Lt. Col. Efren Fernandez II, Cagayan Valley police spokesperson, said San Pablo town police had been ordered to conduct a “deeper” probe on the incident.
    Brig. Gen. Steve Ludan, Cagayan Valley regional police director, said they were still determining the motive behind the shooting