Ilocos Sur barangay kagawad faces 'illegal discharge' rap

Authorities are set to file a case of Illegal Discharge of Firearm against a barangay councilor who allegedly fired multiple gunshots in Barangay Turod Patac, Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, on 22 January 2025.

The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Albert Azcueta Bañez, a resident of Barangay San Ramon, Magsingal, was reported by Barangay Captain Leo Rommel Tabaco Taberna and two other barangay officials. According to their statement, Bañez fired several shots at a mango tree behind a house under construction at around 6:40 PM.

Responding officers from the Cabugao Police Station investigated the scene and recovered nine 9mm pistol cartridge cases.

While the motive behind the incident remains unclear, authorities confirmed that charges will be filed against Bañez in accordance with the law.