Love triangle triggers stabbing, shooting episode in Iloilo town

By Jennifer P. Rendon

It’s live-in partner versus live-in partner.

Two security guards were wounded in a stabbing and shooting episode.

The incident happened around 8:30 p.m. on August 5, outside a supermarket at Barangay Poblacion Ilawud, Zarraga, Iloilo.

The incident injured Paquito Besa, 27, of Barangay Nasapahan, Lemery, Iloilo, and Mark Anthony Chichirita, 27, of Barangay Merced, Banate town.

Besa sustained gunshot wounds on his right shoulder and two on his back.

On the other hand, Chichirita suffered a stab injury on his back.

According to Captain Raphy Señeres, Zarraga police chief, the two fought over a certain Joy, 23, of Barangay Anabo, Lemery.

Joy works as a cashier at Savemore grocery store while Chichirita is a security guard detailed to the same store.

Besa is also a security guard but assigned to a different establishment.

Prior to the incident, Chichirita fetched Joy after she clocked out of the grocery store.

As they were leaving the supermarket’s premises, Besa was seen running after the two and then stabbed Chichirita.

CCTV footage showed the two motorcycle riders losing their balance. The wounded Chichirita ran a few meters and was seen pulling a handgun.

He then ran back to Besa and shot the latter Despite Joy’s pleas.

Chichirita was rushed to Western Visayas Medical Center in Mandurriao, Iloilo City while Besa was taken to Iloilo Provincial Hospital in Pototan, Iloilo.

A witness claimed they were playing basketball in a nearby gym when they heard a loud thud. When they checked, they saw two persons fall from a motorcycle.

A burst of gunfire followed shortly.

They even heard one of the men shouting, “asawa ko na.” (That’s my wife.)

But who’s jealous of whom?

“Only Joy knows.  Both men claimed that Joy is their live-in partner,” Señeres said.

Joy refused to give any statement to the police.

Joy and Besa have a child together, but Chichirita claimed the woman is living with him.

As for the police, “We will both arrest them once they get better,” Señeres said.

He added they could file charges or counter-charges against each other.

On top of that, Besa will be charged for violation of Batas Pambansa Bilang 6 or illegal possession of deadly weapon while Chichirita might be held liable for breach or violation of Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).