Construction worker arrested after Iloilo standoff

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A construction worker is expected to face a string of criminal charges after he allegedly shot and killed a neighbor in Mandurriao district, Iloilo City, before holing up inside his house in a six-hour standoff with police.

The suspect, identified only as “Ruben,” 50, of Barangay Airport, Mandurriao, will likely face a murder charge, police said.

Capt. Lester Oliveros, Iloilo City Police Station 10 chief, said the suspect may also face charges for frustrated murder and violation of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Ruben was wounded during the standoff after he refused to surrender despite negotiations with police.

Oliveros said the suspect sustained injuries to his chest and leg.

When asked what caused the injuries, Oliveros said investigators have yet to determine it.

In earlier reports, Oliveros said the suspect was shot, but he said police still have to determine who shot him.

The incident started after the suspect allegedly shot “Norman,” 57, an electrician who also lived in Barangay Airport, Mandurriao.

Around 11:30 p.m. on June 19, the victim was walking on a footwalk toward the main road when he saw the suspect standing beside the road.

Norman told the suspect, “Ano Ben?!”

The suspect then allegedly drew a firearm tucked into his waist.

Police said the two briefly grappled for control of the gun before it went off.

The victim was hit in the head and was taken to a hospital, where he died.

Ruben then fled and holed up inside his house.

Members of Iloilo City Police Station 10 and the Iloilo City Police Office Special Weapons and Tactics team were called in to negotiate his surrender.

During the negotiation, the suspect briefly asked police to allow him to take a nap.

While police waited for his surrender, the suspect allegedly fired his gun indiscriminately. One of the bullets hit a SWAT member’s Kevlar helmet.

The gunfire forced SWAT operatives to enter the house and arrest the suspect.

Ruben was arrested around 5:50 a.m. on June 20 and brought to a hospital for treatment. Police recovered a .38-caliber revolver from the suspect.

Investigators said an old grudge may have triggered the conflict between Ruben and Norman.

Police said the suspect allegedly tried to hack the victim several years ago, but the case was settled.

In 2001, the suspect was also accused of hacking a young child.

He was arrested, but after undergoing psychiatric evaluation, authorities found that he was suffering from a nervous breakdown. He was later evicted from the village and stayed in Mindoro province.

After a few years, he returned to Mandurriao.

Ruben remained confined in a hospital in stable condition.