Suspect Charged in Iloilo Live-In Partner Killing

By Jennifer P. Rendon

The Pavia Municipal Police Station confirmed that a criminal case was filed against a man accused of killing his ex-lover’s live-in partner in Pavia, Iloilo, over the weekend.

Major Harold Rendora, Pavia police chief, said a murder case involving the use of an unlicensed firearm was filed against 41-year-old Arnold Mamon Viejo of Barangay Cabugao Norte, Pavia.

The suspect’s former live-in partner, identified as “Lyn,” filed the complaint on behalf of her deceased boyfriend, Joven Galvez Job.

Rendora said Viejo remains in police custody while authorities await a court-issued commitment order to transfer him to a Bureau of Jail Management and Penology facility.

Police reports indicated that Viejo allegedly killed Job at Lyn’s beauty parlor on Gonzaga Street, Barangay Purok 4, Pavia, around noon on Dec. 1.

Viejo, a construction worker, had been in a relationship with Lyn for 14 years before separating earlier this year. The couple has three children, aged 14, 12, and 10.

Job and Lyn had reportedly been living together since July 28, 2024.

On the night before the shooting, Viejo and Job encountered each other at the beauty parlor.

During their meeting, Viejo confronted Job, saying, “Ano plano mo sa asawa ko? Indi ko na gusto makita ka di.” (What are your plans with my wife? I don’t want to see you here anymore.)

The confrontation ended without violence, and Job left the parlor, spending the night in Barangay Lanit.

At 9 a.m. on Sunday, Job returned to the parlor to retrieve a bag he had left behind. He spent some time there and even took a bath.

Two hours later, Viejo also arrived at the parlor. Reports said he asked one of their children to buy ice and soft drinks from a nearby store.

Shortly after, Viejo retrieved a break-type shotgun from his bag and shot Job.

Viejo later claimed he had no regrets about the incident, stating he was looking out for his daughter’s welfare, as the victim often spent nights at the parlor, where his children also stayed.

However, police believe jealousy was the primary motive behind the killing.