Murder Charges Pending in Sta. Barbara Shooting

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Police have yet to file a murder case against a man who allegedly killed his former live-in partner’s current lover in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo.

Captain Raphy Señeres, Sta. Barbara police chief, said the victim’s family has not yet approved the conduct of an autopsy, which could strengthen the case.

The victim, identified as 44-year-old Rodito Celiz of Barangay Omambog, Sta. Barbara, has five siblings. Only Barangay Captain Rodney Celiz of Omambog has consented to the autopsy.

“The autopsy result could strengthen our case. But if the family cannot agree to it, we will still file the case against the suspect,” Señeres said.

In addition to murder, suspect Ronald Susbilla may also face charges for violating the election gun ban.

A CRIME OF PASSION

Señeres described the incident as a crime of passion, alleging that jealousy drove Susbilla to shoot Celiz.

The suspect reportedly went to the house of Maymay, his ex-live-in partner, in Barangay Dalid, Sta. Barbara.

Susbilla and Celiz had a brief conversation before the suspect allegedly drew a pistol and shot the victim three times.

Celiz was hit once but managed to run toward the national highway.

Susbilla chased him and fired several more shots, hitting Celiz in different parts of his body.

The victim was rushed to the Western Visayas Sanitarium and General Hospital in Sta. Barbara but was declared dead on arrival.