Second victim in Lambunao shooting dies

By Jennifer P. Rendon

ILOILO CITY — Police have confirmed the death of another victim in a shooting incident in Lambunao, Iloilo, on Sept. 8.

Lt. Vincent Garcia, Lambunao police chief, said alias “Junjun,” 44, of Barangay Cabatangan, Lambunao, died at 3:44 p.m. Sept. 9 while undergoing treatment at the Western Visayas Medical Center in Iloilo City.

Junjun sustained pellet wounds to the abdomen after he was allegedly shot by alias “Rodel,” a resident of Barangay Atimonan, Janiuay, who was temporarily residing in Cabatangan, a village around 40 kilometers from Lambunao town proper.

The gun attack earlier killed alias “Jonito,” 49, also a resident of Cabatangan.

The incident happened at around 2 p.m. Tuesday while Jonito was resting after harvesting palay.

Garcia noted that all those involved are farmers.

The suspect, armed with a homemade 12-gauge shotgun, allegedly shot Jonito, hitting him in the face and chest.

Jonito was rushed to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

While fleeing, Rodel encountered Junjun and allegedly shot him in the abdomen.

Junjun was first brought to Dr. Ricardo Y. Ladrido Memorial Hospital in Lambunao before he was transferred to the Western Visayas Medical Center in Iloilo City.

The suspect remained at large as of press time.

Garcia said Jonito and Rodel had a personal grudge.

Rodel had reportedly slashed a water hose leading to Jonito’s farmland.

Reports said Rodel had also been involved in a previous murder case but was not jailed following an amicable settlement.

Garcia said police would file two counts of murder against the suspect following Junjun’s death.