Mall guard shoots man after alleged mauling

By Jennifer P. Rendon

PAVIA, Iloilo — A security guard assigned to a mall here was arrested after allegedly shooting one of two brothers who mauled him shortly after midnight on July 31.

The guard, identified only as alias Wendel, 24, of Barangay Roosevelt in Tapaz, Capiz, claimed he acted in self-defense.

Wendel said he was on night duty at GT Mall in Barangay Ungka II when the brothers arrived on a motorcycle.

Alias Ron, 22, was driving the motorcycle, while his brother Christian, 24, was riding as a passenger.

Both brothers are residents of Barangay Mandu-awak in San Dionisio, Iloilo.

The guard allegedly told the brothers not to enter the mall premises because it was already 12:45 a.m., well past operating hours.

Instead of heeding the warning, Christian allegedly got off the motorcycle and punched Wendel.

Ron also allegedly punched the guard and pointed a pellet gun at him.

Maj. Bonifacio Alabe Jr., Pavia police chief, said Wendel thought the pellet gun was a real firearm.

The brothers also allegedly tried to seize the guard’s service firearm, a 9 mm pistol.

The three grappled for control of the firearm until Wendel overpowered the brothers.

Wendel then fired the gun, hitting Christian in the abdomen.

After Christian fell to the ground, Ron fled but later returned with his younger brother to help him.

Police officers and members of Pavia Emergency Responders were already at the scene after another security guard called for assistance.

Christian was taken to Asia Pacific Medical Center.

He was later transferred to Western Visayas Medical Center, where he was scheduled to undergo surgery.

Wendel and Ron were arrested and detained.

Alabe said Wendel was being treated as both a suspect and a victim.

Ron and Christian are also expected to face charges in connection with the incident.

Wendel said he had no intention of killing the brothers.

He maintained that he acted to protect himself.

Wendel said the brothers had chased another person the previous week, prompting the person to seek his help.

The incident allegedly angered the brothers, who told the guard, “Isang bala ka lang.”

Wendel said he believed the attack was connected to the previous incident.

Police had yet to determine why the brothers were staying in Pavia despite being residents of San Dionisio.