Barangay Chairman Shot Dead Inside His Own Bedroom in Iloilo — He Had Received Death Threats Just Last Month
A barangay chairman was found dead inside his own bedroom with gunshot wounds to the mouth and stomach in San Joaquin, Iloilo — and the most chilling part is that the killing happened while his family was home, but nobody realized it until morning.
The victim was identified as Richard Sapalo, 53, chairman of Barangay Ginot-an. According to police, Sapalo arrived home around 10:00 PM Wednesday. At around 2:00 AM, household members heard a loud sound from his room pero dismissed it, thinking something had just fallen on the floor.
It wasn't until 5:30 AM that Sapalo's bloodied body was discovered. Police believe the perpetrators entered through the back of the house, which was unlocked, and went straight into his bedroom — which also had no lock. The entry was disturbingly easy.
The killing didn't come entirely without warning. Sapalo had received a death threat just last January via a radio call. Barangay Councilwoman Lilybeth Locsin recalled: 'Nag-greet ako ng Happy New Year sa mga residente... Kap, happy condolence Kap. Medyo bata pa ang kaniyang boses.' After the threat, Sapalo temporarily moved to his sibling's house for safety, but returned home in February.
His sister Marie Momla said he had no known enemies: 'Wala naman siyang kaaway.' Police say they already have a person of interest but are still investigating the motive. The brazen nature of the attack — inside the victim's own home while his family slept — has sent shockwaves through the small Iloilo town.
Source: GMA News
