A case for accessory to the crime of murder was filed against a party-list representative after the gun used in the shooting to death of a former barangay chairman was found registered in his name. 

Asosasyon Sang Mangunguma Nga Bisaya-Owa Mangunguma (AAMBIS-OWA Party-List Representative, Atty. Lex Colada, was traced to be the owner of a gun used allegedly in the slay in October 2024 of Joevanie Triste, former punong barangay of San Rafael in Tigbauan town, Province of Iloilo. 

According to the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), a case for accessory to the crime of murder and violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act was filed against Colada on November 14, 2024.

Tigbauan Municipal Police filed the case. However, the police need to gather further evidence to be submitted to the Iloilo Provincial Prosecutor’s Office to ensure the case would not be dismissed. 

Prior to the filing of case against Colada, a murder complaint was already filed against the suspect in the slay identified as John Castro, Jr. 

GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas reached out to Atty. Colada for comment, but the news team is yet to receive a reply from him, as of posting time. 

“Nai-file na natin ito. Hihintayin na lang natin ang magiging decision or findings ng ating Iloilo Provincial Prosecutor’s Office,” Major Rolando Araño, IPPO spokesperson, said.