ILOILO City – The family of a critically wounded security guard is preparing to file a frustrated homicide complaint against the suspect in a broad daylight shooting that has renewed concerns over armed workplace disputes in the city’s commercial districts.
Police confirmed that the family of Willy Salazar, 30, is set to formally charge fellow security guard Regimar Tupaz, 29, following the January 5 shooting that left Salazar hospitalized with gunshot wounds to his leg and abdomen.
The development was confirmed by Police Captain Melchor Tolentino, officer-in-charge of Police Station 1, who said the victim remains in critical condition and may still require surgery.
“Ara pa siya (victim) gihapon sa trauma room, ginahulat ang iya nga doctor. It might be nga i-schedule na siya for operation. Kag amo to gyapon ang iya nga pilas,” Tolentino said in an interview with RMN Iloilo. “Ma-file sila (family) complaint batok sa suspect.”
The shooting occurred at around 9:15 a.m. at the intersection of Mabini and Delgado Streets, a busy commercial area in the City Proper, where witnesses reported hearing at least three gunshots.
Police said the incident stemmed from a long-simmering misunderstanding between the two men that began about a week earlier and escalated into a violent confrontation on the day of the shooting.
According to Tolentino, Tupaz — who was on duty at a motorcycle parts shop — became involved in a heated argument with Salazar outside the establishment.
“May ara sila previous binaisay, kag nag lab-utanay naman sila asta nga may physical confrontation,” Tolentino said in an interview with Panay News.
The argument reportedly turned physical after Salazar allegedly pushed Tupaz. Police said Tupaz then drew his issued 9mm pistol and fired several shots, hitting Salazar.
Salazar was rushed to a nearby hospital where he remains under close medical observation.
After the shooting, Tupaz reportedly returned to his workplace and surrendered his firearm to co-workers.
Responding police officers later recovered the weapon, which was confirmed to be properly issued and registered, along with a magazine containing three live rounds.
Tolentino said the suspect was brought to the Regional Forensic Unit for paraffin and ballistic examinations as part of the ongoing investigation.
The shooting has sparked renewed calls for stricter oversight, improved training, and clearer protocols to prevent disputes among armed guards from turning deadly./PN
