One killed, another hurt in shooting episode

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A 43-year-old man was killed while his friend was wounded in a shooting incident evening of Aug 14, 2022 in Dumangas, Iloilo.

The incident resulted in the death of Steve Castillano and wounding of Rojohn Poñate, 23, both residents of Barangay Paloc Sool Dumangas Iloilo.

Staff Sergeant Terence John Soria, Dumangas police investigator, said the incident happened 9:45 p.m. or 30 minutes after a stone hurling incident at the said village.

The suspect, Gilbert Togonon, a resident of Barangay Paloc Bigque, Dumangas, allegedly looked for the persons who hurled stones at him until he met Castillano and Poñate.

Soria said Togonon was with his son, Cy Robert, during the incident.

The two victims allegedly denied Togonon’s accusations until a heated argument ensued between them.

At the height of their argument, the suspect repeatedly shot Castillano in the chest.

Poñate tried to parry Togonon, but the suspect also shot him in the back.

Togonon and his son fled after the incident while the two victims were rushed to Ramon Duremdes District Hospital for treatment.

Castillano did not pull through.

Soria said Togonon will be charged as principal suspect while his son will be charged as accessory to the crime.