A 63-year old man, known to neighbors as "Major," was arrested and charged in court by the Mabalacat Police for allegedly shooting to death his 28-year-old neighbor.
Deogracias Saylo Grantos, 63, and two other men are facing murder and frustrated murder in connection with the shooting incident that led to the killing of Nelson Areglo Gutierrez.
It is not clear if Grantos is a retired policeman or soldier but his neighbors call him "Major".
Police identified the two other suspects as Akbar Gatpo Hines, 39, and Carlos Galang. Hines has been arrested while Galang is at large.
Grantos and Hines are both from Metro Bamban Subdivision, Barangay Anupul in Bamban, Tarlac while Galang is from Barangay Santo Cristo Rey, Capas, Tarlac.
Police said the suspects were having a drinking spree at a store when Gutierrez's friend, Alfonso Corpuz, 23, arrived to buy a few sticks of cigarettes.
Grantos reportedly confronted Corpuz about the latter's Guardians Brotherhood tattoo on his shoulder.
The suspect then threatened to skin Corpuz alive for being a member of the organization.
"Guardians ka ba? Gusto mong balatan kita ng buhay at gawin kitang corned beef (Are you a Guardian? You want me to skin you alive and turn you to corned beef)?" he allegedly said.
After hearing Grantos’ threats, Corpuz immediately left the store but he was followed by the suspect.
Grantos fired a shot using a .45 caliber handgun at Corpuz but missed, according to the police report.
After missing the shot at Corpuz, Grantos reportedly fired another shot and this time hit Gutierrez who was passing by the area.
Witnesses said Grantos was previously involved in several cases of death threats and squabbles involving a foreigner and his neighbors.