Two criminology students were shot and killed at a milk tea shop in Barangay Paradise 3 on Monday after being mistakenly identified as suspects in an earlier altercation, police confirmed.
According to a GMA News Online report, CCTV footage showed a man approaching a group seated outside the shop. Without warning, he pulled out a firearm and shot two young men at close range — one from behind and the other sitting beside him. The attacker fled as panic erupted in the area.
The victims were identified as Ray Allen Nevado De Jose, 20, and Jerry Castillo, 23. De Jose was declared dead on the spot, while Castillo died shortly after being rushed to the hospital due to gunshot wounds to the head.
Authorities revealed that moments before the shooting, a group of minors had been involved in a brawl sparked by a traffic accident between a tricycle and a motorcycle. The parties had reportedly settled the matter at the barangay hall. Some youths then went to the milk tea shop to get snacks — including the two victims, who witnesses said had no involvement in the earlier fight.
“We were shocked. When he arrived, he asked, ‘Who here hurt my son?’ Before my cousin and uncle could respond, he shot them. Everyone panicked and ran inside the milk tea shop,” recounted one of the teens who witnessed the shooting.
The suspect, believed to be the father of one of the minors involved in the earlier commotion, remains at large. Police say he is a resident of a neighboring barangay and has a criminal record that includes previous cases of stabbing and shooting.
“We went to his residence, but he was no longer there. A double murder case has been filed, and a continuous manhunt is underway,” said Patrolman Marwineto Lucio of the San Jose Del Monte Police.
In a message to the suspect, Ray Allen’s father, Roberto De Jose, said: “Come out now. Your conscience won’t let you rest. The law will pursue you — you will not be let off the hook.”
Grieving parents are now calling for justice.
“My son was just eating. He didn’t know anything. They killed him. It’s unbearable,” said Evangeline Castillo, mother of victim Jerry Castillo.
“His face was covered in blood. It’s hard to accept. So painful,” added Roberto De Jose.
