Ex-Convict Barangay Councilor Dies in Intense Police Confrontation and Blaze
A former barangay councilor and ex-convict, identified as Jay Castañares, was killed in a dramatic police standoff that culminated in a house fire in San Fernando, Cebu, on Saturday, March 21, 2026. The incident began with a morning murder and escalated into a hours-long shootout, resulting in Castañares' death and injuries to a police officer.
Morning Murder Sparks Police Response
Earlier that day at 10:00 AM, Castañares allegedly shot and killed Emilio Miñoza Sabroso, a gulaman vendor from Barangay Greenhills, San Fernando. Suspecting Sabroso was a police asset, Castañares targeted him in the head, leading to immediate death. The San Fernando Municipal Police Station, led by Police Major Michael Gingoyon, responded to reports of the shooting.
Standoff and Shootout Unfold
Upon arrival at Castañares' residence in Sityo Boloc-Boloc, Barangay Sangat, police were met with gunfire instead of surrender. A prolonged exchange ensued, with authorities calling for backup from the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team in Naga City and personnel from the Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) 7. The standoff lasted several hours, delayed by intelligence that Castañares possessed two grenades.
During the confrontation, Castañares made a final phone call to his child, stating he would not be taken alive and expressing love. In the ongoing firefight, Police Patrolman Kim Villariasa was shot in the chest and rushed to Cebu Provincial Hospital in Carcar City.
House Fire and Fatal Outcome
As police intensified their assault, two explosions believed to be from grenades triggered an LPG tank blast inside the house, causing a fire. Firefighters from San Fernando were quickly summoned. Castañares sustained multiple gunshot wounds, with half his body burned in the blaze, leading to his death.
Background of the Suspect
Jay Castañares had a notorious record in the area, serving as a Barangay Sangat councilor in 2016 before being arrested for illegal drugs in 2017 and released in October 2025. He was implicated in multiple shooting cases, including incidents in Naga City in 2010 and the alleged gun-for-hire killing of Carl Vinson Apura in 2012. Authorities noted numerous other cases linked to him in Cebu Police Provincial Office records.
Outside his home, cement sacks and hollow blocks were piled, reportedly for planned fencing, while a large hole nearby was suspected to be a tunnel but claimed as a septic tank for a comfort room under construction.
