PUJ driver yields after ‘killing’ fellow driver

By Jennifer P. Rendon

 

A remorseful public utility jeepney (PUJ) driver surrendered to police authorities two days after he allegedly shot to death his fellow driver in Jaro, Iloilo City on Tuesday.

Joel Marinog voluntarily turned himself to Iloilo City Police Station 3 early morning of February 4, 2021.

The incident happened as Marinog celebrated his birthday at his house in Barangay Tagbak, Jaro.

The suspect told police investigators that he accidentally pulled the gun trigger while aiming it at Arnaldo Sequita to quell the latter.

Marinog said it was not his intention to kill his kumpare, whom he claimed acted unruly and began throwing empty bottles. He allegedly tried to pacify Sequita but the victim did not heed him.

He then drew a gun in a bid to threaten the victim.

Marinog said he got scared after the gun went off. He immediately boarded his motorcycle and fled.

It was believed that both Marinog and Sequita were drunk when the incident happened.

Marinog, who hails from Negros Occidental, invited Sequita and two other friends for drinks as it was his birthday.

PUJ drivers who knew Marinog and Sequita, 56, of Barangay Quintin Sala, Jaro, claimed that the two are best friends. Their two other drinking buddies left in the afternoon of the said date.

At around 7PM Tuesday, Marinog’s neighbor claimed to have heard a gun fire and later saw the victim slumped on the pavement.

A neighbor immediately called for police assistance. Responding cops took the victim to the hospital but Sequita did not pull through.