DRUG DEAL GONE WRONG: Three now face murder charges in Iloilo City

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Police have filed a criminal complaint against three persons in connection with the stabbing incident in La Paz, Iloilo City on March 21 that killed four persons.

Charged before the Iloilo City Prosecutor’s Office were Gilbert Muya, 39; Glenbert Muya, 43; and a certain Alexander, 43, all residents of Barangay San Isidro, La Paz.

The case was filed on the afternoon of March 24, three days after the stabbing episode that killed Gilbert and Glenbert’s brother Tyrone, 33, and their neighbors Johnny Provido Sr., 68, and his sons Johnny Jr., 40, and Joven, 46.

Maj. Shella Mae Sangrines, Iloilo City Police Office spokesperson, said Alexander’s name came out during the investigation after CCTV footage captured him instigating the fight between the Muyas and the Providos.

“He had a direct participation over what happened. He made provocations. That’s why, he was included in the filing of the case,” Sangrines said.

She noted that Alexander was even interviewed after the incident and vehemently denied that he had any participation.

But CCTV footage proved otherwise, Sangrines said.

The two Muya brothers remain under hospital arrest, while Alexander is tagged as at large.

Under the Revised Penal Code, murder is punishable by reclusion perpetua, or imprisonment of 20 years and one day to 40 years, when committed with treachery, evident premeditation, or other qualifying circumstances.

Reports said the incident started after Johnny Jr., who was under the influence of alcohol, went to the adjacent Muya residence at around 9:40 p.m. on March 21 and confronted Tyrone.

Johnny Jr. was reportedly looking for a certain Badoy, the live-in partner of Tyrone’s sister Tami.

According to Virginia, the Provido matriarch, Johnny Jr. was irked after Badoy and Tami did not give him the shabu he was buying despite already paying PHP 1,500.

Police earlier revealed that the Muya family’s drug source had been arrested two days before the incident, which meant the family could no longer supply the shabu that had already been paid for, triggering the confrontation that escalated into violence.

A heated argument ensued that led to the stabbing episode.

Col. Wilbert Parilla, ICPO chief, emphasized that justice is being pursued and assured the public of the police force’s continued vigilance and strengthened operations.

“Justice will be served for the victims of this tragic incident. We assure the public that the Iloilo City Police Office remains on top of the situation. Our security measures are being strengthened as we continue to serve and protect the people of Iloilo City. Our campaign against all forms of illegal activities remains focused and intensified,” Parilla said.

Parilla further assured the public that operations are ongoing for the immediate arrest of the remaining suspect and that appropriate measures are being implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.