MTC judge shot dead

By Ruel Saldico

NAGA CITY, Camarines Sur – The president of the Municipal Trial Court Judges League of the Philippines was shot dead by his cousin Tuesday afternoon in Brgy Sta Maria, Presentacion town here.

The victim was identified as Judge Ricky Begino, 49 years old and the MTC Judge of San Jose and Lagonoy in Camarines Sur.

According to Senior Inspector Bernardo Penero, chief of Police of Presentacion Municipal Police Station (MPS) the victim was standing beside the road when he was shot by the suspect identified as 72-year-old Wilfredo Armea. He later surrendered to authorities moments after the incident.

“Biglang nilapitan ng suspek at doon na bumunot ng baril gamit ang Super Caliber 38 at saka binaril saka tumakas,” said Penero.

The victim was immediately brought to NICC Doctors Hospital in Naga City – some 80 kilometers away from the town, but died while being treated at the hospital.

Based on the suspect’s statement, a dispute concerning their family’s land ownership led him to kill the victim.
At around 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, the suspect voluntarily surrendered and admitted the crime.