By Jennifer P. Rendon
A sugarcane plantation laborer was killed in a shooting incident in Passi City, Iloilo on Nov 26, 2022.
Police identified the victim as Greg Palomaria, Sr., 50, a resident of Barangay Aglalana, the place where the incident happened.
His sons, Greg Jr., 22, and Mark Palomaria, 30, and a 17-year-old relative were wounded.
Police held in custody Staff Sergeant Razel Palomar, 45, a member of the Philippine Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion, and his brother Ronald Palomar, 41, after the incident.
The soldier is a resident of Barangay Daan Banwa, Tapaz, Capiz while Ronald is also from Aglalana village.
Lieutenant Colonel Dennis Pamonag, Passi City police chief, said Aglalana village was celebrating its annual fiesta when the incident happened.
Police investigation indicated that the victims were the ones who stormed Ronald’s house.
Armed with wooden sticks and tree branches, the victims confronted Ronald until a heated argument ensued between them.
Pamonag said the victims ganged up on Ronald.
At that time, Staff Sergeant Palomar and his children were at Ronald’s house for the fiesta celebration.
When the soldier was informed about what happened to his younger brother, he immediately came to the latter’s defense.
He drew out a caliber .9mm Glock pistol and shot the two Palomaria brothers and their teenage relative.
On the other hand, Ronald drew a bladed weapon and stabbed Greg Sr. in his chest and stomach.
Greg Sr. was rushed to Don Valerio Palmares Sr Memorial Hospital but he did not pull through.
On the other hand, Greg Jr. was taken to Western Visayas Medical Center in Iloilo City while the minor victim was referred to West Visayas State University Medical Center in Iloilo City for treatment.
Mark was released from hospital confinement after being treated for minor injuries.
Pamonag said that old grudges triggered the incident.
Last month, Ronald filed a case for frustrated murder against Greg Sr. and his two sons.
Meanwhile, charges are yet to be filed against the Palomar brothers.
