Delivery crew hurt in convenience store shooting

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A delivery crew suffered a minor injury after he was shot at a convenience store in City Proper district, Iloilo City past 12 a.m. of July 7, 2022.

The victim was identified as Jose Palacios, 34, of Garcia Apartment, Barangay Sto. Domingo, Arevalo, Iloilo City.

Palacios, who hails from Sagay City, Negros Occidental, works as helper of JSL Delivery Truck Services.

Major Shella Mae Sangrines, Iloilo City Police Station 1 commander, said the victim suffered a graze wound on his upper left wrist.

Reports said Palacios and his employer were unloading dry goods at a 7-Eleven branch in corner Jalandoni St. and Aurora Subdivision, Barangay Anita, when a misunderstanding ensued between him and the suspect.

The assailant drew an unidentified firearm from his pocket and shot Palacios.

The gunman, who was believed to be drunk and was wearing a half-faced black helmet, immediately fled on board his motorcycle.

Sangrines said the suspect was with a female companion when the incident happened.

The images of the suspect and his companion were captured on CCTV footages.

Sangrines said there could be no compelling reason for the suspect to shoot Palacios.

“Nasuya or nabastusan lang to guro ang suspect kapin pa abi hubog,” she said.

The victim’s companion also seconded Sangrines’ claim alleging that the suspect immediately pulled the trigger after he took out the gun from his pocket.

He claimed that the suspect might have thought that they were looking at his female companion.

The suspect and the woman even bought something from the store.

When they went out, the gunman asked why they were staring at them. He then challenged them by saying, “isog ka (are you brave)?”

The suspect’s female companion just managed to shout “babe” before they boarded the motorcycle.

Meanwhile, Sangrines appealed to those who could identify the suspect and his companion to provide the police with information.