A barangay “tanod” (village watchman) was found dead on a grassy area in Pavia town, Iloilo Province with a gunshot wound.

Carmelino Minor, 52 years old, was found dead in Barangay Amparo, Pavia past 9 p.m. on March 22, 2025.

A couple who passed by the area at about 8 p.m. did not bother look at the man thinking he was drunk and could have passed out. However, upon their return they saw that the man was still sprawled in the area. They decided to give a check.

“Bumaba kami at nilapitan at inilawan ng flashflight. Sabi niya (ng asawa) may nakita siyang dugo sa bibig,” said "Tel-tel," one of two persons who saw the body.

The barangay tanod was in his uniform as he was about to report to duty.

He sustained a gunshot wound on the left chest.

With the help of a witness, the suspect was arrested dawn on March 24, 2025.

He was identified as Regie Gaborno, 41 years old, a former barangay tanod.

Gaborno said that he was trying to collect a debt from the victim worth P15,000.

Gaborno added that he has no intention of shooting the victim. He alleged that when they crossed paths, the victim poked allegedly a gun at him, so he fired first.

“Nagalit ako kasi ang tagal ko nang naniningil sa kanya, sinasabihan lang akong sa susunod lang. Pinapaasa lang niya ako at iniiwasan pa,” Gaborno said. 

Police pointed out that if the purpose was only to collect money, why does the suspect have to wield a gun?

“Kung yung purpose mo is maningil ng utang, bakit ka may dalang baril? Ibig sabihin, pinagplanuhan niya talaga,” according to Major Harold Rendora, chief of police of Pavia Municipal Police Station.

According to Carelle Minor, the daughter of the victim, her father brings a gun whenever on duty, but she does not believe he has a debt to settle with the suspect.

“Sana magparamdam naman siya sa amin. Hindi ko pa rin matanggap na hindi ko na makasama ang ama ko,” Carelle said.

The 45-caliber pistol owned by the victim was confiscated from the suspect, but the victim’s sling bag that contained reportedly P6,000 was missing.

The suspect said he took the sling bag but threw it away.

The gun used by the suspect was not found.

As of this writing, the police have prepared the filing of charges for murder and violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition against the suspect.