Three brothers linked to co-worker’s killing in Iloilo

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Three brothers were implicated in the killing of their co-worker late Wednesday evening, Feb. 4, in Cabatuan, Iloilo.

Police identified the suspects only by their aliases as Christian, 25, and his younger brothers Ryan, 23, and Lester, all residents of Barangay Barasalon, Janiuay, Iloilo.

The incident occurred at around 10:15 p.m. at a water plant plantation in Barangay Gaub, Cabatuan, where the suspects and the victim, identified only by the alias Arnold, were employed.

Reports indicated that the 25-year-old victim, a resident of Barangay Canawilian, Janiuay, and the suspects were having a drinking session at their barracks when an argument broke out.

Police said the suspects allegedly ganged up on the victim shortly after the altercation.

Authorities said the assault began when the suspects mauled Arnold.

Investigators said Lester allegedly punched the victim, Ryan reportedly struck him with a piece of wood, and Christian allegedly stabbed him.

Arnold sustained two stab wounds to the stomach, one wound to the lower left shoulder, and another to the left lower rib area.

Cabatuan police chief Capt. Mary Dhen Gerbolinga said the victim’s younger brother, Ariel, witnessed the incident.

Gerbolinga said Ariel was initially with the group during the drinking session but left briefly.

When he returned, he reportedly saw the suspects taking turns attacking his brother.

Gerbolinga said Ariel initially hesitated to intervene but later sought help by flagging down a call center agent riding a motorcycle.

The call center agent reportedly alerted barangay responders, who brought the victim to Ramon Tabiana Memorial District Hospital.

The victim later died from his injuries.

Ryan and Lester were arrested in a hot pursuit operation, while Christian remains at large as of this writing.

Gerbolinga said a murder case is being prepared against the three suspects.