Prosecutors in Iloilo have filed murder and illegal firearm possession charges against a 38-year-old former overseas Filipino worker following a fatal shooting in Santa Barbara town.
The accused, identified only as Jethro, a resident of Barangay Camambugan, was formally charged before the Iloilo Provincial Prosecutor’s Office on Monday, Feb. 2. The victim was identified as Ruel, 39, a construction worker who lived in the same barangay.
Police said the incident stemmed from a drinking session at a restaurant-bar in the village on Saturday night. Witness accounts placed both men at the establishment before they exited separately, with Jethro leaving first at around 10:20 p.m. and Ruel following shortly after.
According to Santa Barbara police chief Capt. Raphy Señeres, gunfire was heard minutes later, prompting a response from nearby residents and authorities. Investigators later determined that the victim sustained five gunshot wounds, including injuries to the torso, back, and abdomen.
The bar owner reportedly transported Ruel to a hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.
Police said Jethro was apprehended at the scene and a .45-caliber pistol was recovered from his possession.
During questioning, the suspect claimed the shooting was triggered by an argument after Ruel allegedly took his mobile phone without consent.
