Shabu source arrest linked to fatal La Paz family stabbing

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A prior police anti-drug operation played a role in the fight between two families in La Paz, Iloilo City that claimed the lives of four persons.

In a press conference on Monday, Iloilo City Police Office officer-in-charge Col. Wilbert Parilla said the subject of the anti-narcotics operation was the illegal drug source of the Muya family.

“Kaya wala na silang maibigay kasi nahuli na ‘yung source nila,” he said.

A failed shabu trade between a supposed buyer — a member of the Provido family — and a peddler — a member of the Muya family — led to a stabbing incident in La Paz on the evening of March 21.

The arrest of the Muya family’s drug source two days before the incident meant the family could no longer supply the shabu that had already been paid for, triggering the confrontation that escalated into violence.

The incident led to the deaths of Johnny Provido Sr., 68, and his sons Johnny Jr., 40, and Joven, 46; and Tyrone Muya, 33, all residents of Barangay San Isidro, La Paz.

The incident also injured Tyrone’s brothers, 44-year-old Glenbert and 36-year-old Gilbert Jr.

Reports said the incident started after Johnny Jr., who was under the influence of alcohol, went to the adjacent Muya residence at around 9:40 p.m. on March 21 and confronted Tyrone.

Johnny Jr. was reportedly looking for a certain Badoy, the live-in partner of Tyrone’s sister Tami.

According to Virginia, the Provido matriarch, Johnny Jr. was irked after Badoy and Tami did not give him the shabu he was buying despite already paying PHP 1,500.

A heated argument ensued that led to the stabbing episode.

Following the incident, Parilla ordered a thorough and in-depth investigation into what happened.

Even earlier, police pointed to a link to illegal drugs as an underlying motive behind the conflict.

Parilla condemned the incident and reiterated the importance of community cooperation and strengthened interventions.

“We strongly condemn this senseless act of violence that resulted in the loss of lives. I have directed all concerned units to conduct a thorough and in-depth investigation to establish the full circumstances of this incident and ensure that all responsible individuals will be held accountable before the law,” he said.

He added that the incident underscores the dangerous consequences of illegal drugs and uncontrolled violent behavior, often aggravated by drinking sprees, if proven to be the motive.

The ICPO remains firm in sustaining its anti-drug operations, alongside intensified demand reduction efforts within communities, Parilla said.

He also called on barangay officials to strictly enforce curfew and local ordinances, and to strengthen interventions against drinking-related disturbances.

Parilla also urged the active cooperation of the public, parents, and community leaders in preventing violence and maintaining peace and order.

“Rest assured, the Iloilo City Police Office will further intensify its police presence and proactive measures to prevent similar incidents and ensure the safety of our communities,” he said.

The ICPO has recently conducted coordination activities with barangay officials in areas under the jurisdiction of Iloilo City Police Stations 1 and 8 to encourage the strict implementation of local ordinances.

These efforts form part of the office’s continuing cooperation initiatives on demand reduction drives in its campaign against illegal drugs, which will be expanded to all ICPO stations across Iloilo City.