Drug watchlist suspect fatally stabbed in Iloilo

By Jennifer P. Rendon

An elderly man, known to be on the police’s drug watchlist, was found dead in the morning of April 6 in a vegetated area of Barangay Ungka 1, Pavia, Iloilo.

Fortunato Jagonase, 66, had sustained multiple stab wounds to his chest, back, and side.

Joart Lastoja, while walking to the gate of a subdivision, discovered Jagonase’s body at around 7 a.m. Saturday.

Jagonase was lying on his stomach and was still wearing his protective helmet.

His motorcycle was found around two meters from his body. Jagonase had reportedly enjoyed a drinking spree the night before his death. His companion, July Jacome, reported that Jagonase had departed at around 9 p.m., and was shocked to hear of his murder only hours later.

Major Dadje Delima, the Pavia police chief, stated that they had collected circumstantial evidence and witness testimonies.

“The possible motive seems to be drug-related,” Delima said.

Delima suspects that around two individuals may have ambushed Jagonase and inflicted the fatal stabs.

Following years on their drug watchlist after his release from jail for a drug offense over five years ago, it was believed that Jagonase had returned to drug peddling.

“We found his mobile phone, which contained several drug-related messages,” Delima noted. These messages suggested Jagonase had failed to remit drug sale proceeds and deliver on commitments.

In November 2023, police had attempted a sting operation, sending P5,000 to his GCash to apprehend him, but Jagonase did not show up.

Relatives claimed Jagonase usually carried a belt bag, which was not found at the scene, leading to speculation that it may have contained illegal drugs.

Authorities also discovered drug paraphernalia in Jagonase’s hut.