ILOILO — A violent shooting incident in Barangay Ungka 1, Pavia town left one woman dead and another in critical condition on Tuesday night, April 14.
The victims were identified as Divine Grace Castillo, 32, a plant manager and resident of Zone 2, Barangay San Juan, Molo, Iloilo City; and John Shane Somblingo, 28, a Human Resource staff at the same company and resident of Sta. Barbara town.
The attack occurred shortly after 7 p.m. while the victims were walking along the roadside, waiting for a commute after their shift. According to Police Lieutenant Garry Tayongtong, deputy chief of the Pavia Municipal Police Station, a suspect on a motorcycle approached the women and opened fire.
Closed-circuit television camera footage confirmed the account, showing the assailant fleeing the scene on a motorcycle immediately after the shooting. Castillo was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital, while Somblingo remained under medical treatment.
Residents in the area initially mistook the gunfire for celebration. A witness, alias “Mae,” described the moment of the attack:
“Nabatian ko, past 7 siguro kaina (gab-i). Actually, ara na ako sa room, abi ko fireworks lang sia sa fiesta… nakabati ko tatlo ka lupok, asud-asud sa nga lupok. Siguro abi daw kwitis lang sia bala nga naglupok sa babaw, wala man ko nag-mind, until such time nagsulod akon nga hinablos, siling ya, “tita, daw may gintiro aw?”
Fearful that the gunman might return, witnesses remained indoors until it was safe to assist the victims.
“Asta nga waay na kami naggwa kay basi balikan kami… ang isa (victim) daan gahulag pa. Gin-advise ko sila nga indi anay sila maggwa kay basi bumalik pa sia (suspect) bala. Gasinggit ang isa ka babayi kay okay pa sia, ang isa waay na gahulag. Wala kami kakita (suspect), burhot lang ka salakyan,” Mae added.
Investigators recovered eight .9mm shell casings at the scene. While a person of interest has been identified, the motive remains unclear. The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) stated they are exploring three angles: a love triangle, a personal feud, or workplace-related issues.
The victim’s father, alias “Pedro,” expressed shock over the incident, noting that his daughter had no known enemies.
He recalled their last conversation that morning: “Amo ang indi ko pa mabal-an, manager na sia sa warehouse. Waay ta kabalo kun sa obra na. Paghalin niya sa akon siling ya, ‘Tay, may meeting kami.’ Hambal ko, ‘sige, ako na lang mamubud ka sapat mo.’”
He added: “Waay ko kabalo kay paghalin ka kaina aga, kay kanami man ang lakat niya, nakalisensiya pa sa akon.”
IPPO director Police Colonel Bayani Razalan has ordered a comprehensive investigation to apprehend the suspect and determine if the attack was a contract killing or personally motivated.
In response to the tragedy, police visibility has been increased across Pavia and the neighboring towns to maintain peace and order. The case remained under active investigation as of press time./PN
