Father shoots dead son’s rival in Passi City

ILOILO CITY — A 37-year-old man voluntarily surrendered to police a few hours after allegedly shooting dead a 19-year-old man who had an altercation with his two teenage sons in Passi City, Iloilo, on the evening of Oct. 31, 2026.

The suspect, identified as Ernesto, a resident of Barangay Alimono, Passi City, allegedly gunned down Ronnel after the victim had a confrontation with his sons, 16-year-old Eron and 14-year-old Christian.

Before the shooting, reports indicated that Ronnel, a resident of Barangay Magdungao, Passi City, was drinking with a relative and a friend in Barangay Poblacion Ilawod.

At around 9 p.m., Eron and Christian passed by the area where the three were drinking.

Police Lt. Col. Peter John Pisueña, Passi City police chief, said it was unclear what triggered the misunderstanding between the victim and the two boys.

“We’re looking at the possibility that Ronnel randomly picked on the two boys,” he said.

A commotion ensued, with the two groups exchanging blows using empty bottles.

Eron and Christian immediately fled the area and went home.

They then told their father what had happened.

Armed with a handgun, Ernesto returned to the area with his sons.

The suspect approached Ronnel and asked, “Sin-o kontra ka bata ko? Ikaw?!”

Without waiting for an answer, Ernesto allegedly pulled out his gun and shot Ronnel, hitting him on the left side of his body.

When the victim fell to the ground, Eron and Christian allegedly kicked him before fleeing the crime scene.

Ronnel was rushed to Don Valerio Palmares Sr. Memorial District Hospital in Passi City but succumbed to his injuries.

Pisueña said Ernesto was detained after surrendering to police, while a murder complaint was being prepared against him.