Three persons killed in weekend shootings

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Three persons were killed in separate shooting incidents here and in Negros Occidental over the weekend.

In Bago City, Jerry Pasiolan, 56, of Barangay Taloc, a passenger jeepney driver, was gunned down by his unidentified passenger at Purok Proper South, in the said village yesterday.

Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, city police chief, said the gunman flagged down the jeep from Trese y Media, a few meters away from the crime scene.

After the incident, the gunman, who was not wearing a face mask, disembarked from the jeep and rode a motorcycle which was already on standby in the area prior to the shooting, Malong said.

Nine passengers, including two minors, and the gunman were on board the jeep when the shooting happened.

Malong said they are eyeing love triangle as possible motive behind the killing, since the victim had a previous affair, according to his wife.

But Malong said they could not confirm yet if the gunman was the husband of the victim’s former lover or a gun for hire.

Police recovered from the scene two ammunition shells and a .45-caliber bullet.

Malong said the victim was also a former rice miller.

Also killed that day in Barangay Vista Alegre here was Edgar John Mendoza, 36, of the said village.

Investigation disclosed that the victim was working outside their house when the suspect identified as Darryl Daza approached and allegedly shot him.

Captain Elmer Bonilla, head of Police Station 7, said the victim succumbed to two gunshot wounds in the chest and stomach.

Bonilla said they are eyeing grudges as possible motive for the shooting.

“Gin settle na ni sila sa barangay kay may inaway sila pero kagina gina planuhan siya sang suspect,” Bonilla said.

Bonilla said the suspect had previous cases, including theft. In fact, he was released from jail recently.

Murder charges will be filed against the suspect, who is at large.

Meanwhile, Yuki Castro, 31, of Barangay Bata here was also killed by an unidentified man in the said village last Saturday.

Captain Armilyn Vargas, head of Police Station 3, said the victim was buying a cigarette in an eatery when an unidentified man shot him.

Castro suffered a lone gunshot wound in the chest that caused his immediate death.

Vargas said they could not determine yet the motive, although there were reports that the victim was reportedly engaging in illegal drugs.

“Ga bisyo man daw na siya (Castro) hambal ka tatay niya,” she added.

Vargas said the victim also had records for illegal gambling and serious physical injuries in the previous years.

Vargas said the victim was supposed to be subjected to a buy-bust operation, although he was not part of a drugs watchlist.