Young man shot dead in San Enrique

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A young man died after being shot late on Jan. 16 in San Enrique, Iloilo.

The victim, identified only as Joshua, 22, a resident of Barangay Quinulpan, died from a gunshot wound to the abdomen.

He was rushed to Don Valerio Palmares Sr. Memorial District Hospital in Passi City but was pronounced dead on arrival.

San Enrique police chief Lt. Cristy Val Dalde said the victim was buying a bag of ice at a store near his home when a neighbor, identified as Charlie, 55, shot him.

Dalde said the suspect was allegedly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the attack, which police believe was motivated by a dispute that began in 2024.

She said the suspect previously filed a complaint against the victim nearly two years after accusing him of throwing stones at his house and damaging a fence.

The suspect had also filed a malicious mischief case against the victim in connection with the earlier incident.

Police said the victim had been staying in Manila and had just returned to the village when the shooting occurred.

Investigators said the suspect allegedly retrieved a firearm after seeing the victim at the store and immediately opened fire.

The suspect fled the scene and remained at large as of press time.

Dalde said the suspect’s father has taken temporary custody of the suspect’s children because the suspect’s wife is working in Manila.

Police said they are preparing to file a murder case against the suspect.