ILOILO City — A violent confrontation between two families in Barangay San Isidro, La Paz district left four people dead and two others injured on Saturday night, March 21.
Police Colonel Wilbert B. Parilla, officer-in-charge of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), has ordered an in-depth investigation into the incident, which reportedly escalated from a heated dispute into a bloody encounter involving bladed weapons.
According to ICPO spokesperson Major Shella Mae Sangrines, police received a report of the stabbing at approximately 10:15 p.m. Multiple victims with severe stab wounds were rushed to various hospitals across the city but four were declared dead on arrival.
The fatalities were identified as aliases “Johnny P. Jr.”, 40; “Johnny P. Sr.”, 68; “Joeven P.”, 46; and “Tyron M.”, 33, from the opposing family.
Two other individuals, identified as aliases “Glen M.” and “Gil M.”, survived the clash. They are currently receiving medical treatment under strict police custody.
Meanwhile, crime scene investigators recovered several bladed weapons and forensic evidence from the site. Police are currently reviewing closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera footage and gathering witness statements to determine the exact sequence of events and individual liabilities.
While the primary cause appears to be a long-standing family grudge, as of press time investigators were validating reports that illegal drugs may have been an underlying factor in the conflict.
Parilla strongly condemned the “senseless act of violence,” noting that such tragedies are often exacerbated by alcohol and uncontrolled behavior.
“We strongly condemn this senseless act of violence that resulted in the loss of lives,” he said. “I have directed all concerned units to conduct a thorough and in-depth investigation to establish the full circumstances of this incident and ensure that all responsible individuals will be held accountable before the law.”
The ICPO chief further urged barangay officials to strictly enforce curfews and local ordinances regarding alcohol consumption to prevent similar disturbances. He assured the public that police visibility in the area would be intensified to maintain peace and order.
“Rest assured, the Iloilo City Police Office will continue to strengthen its presence and actions to ensure the safety of our communities,” Parilla added.
As of this writing, criminal charges were being prepared against the surviving suspects./PN
