By Jennifer P. Rendon
A water delivery worker was shot and killed on the morning of April 22 in Dumangas, Iloilo.
The victim was identified as Junel Diel, 31, of People’s Village, Barangay PD Monfort North, Dumangas.
The shooting occurred around 10:05 a.m. Tuesday in Barangay Bolilao while Diel was collecting empty water containers.
He had just parked his top-down tricycle by the roadside when the suspect, identified as barangay tanod alias Cerilo of Bolilao, approached him.
A brief confrontation followed, during which the suspect allegedly asked, “Mabato ka gid to sa akon haw?”
Cerilo then pulled out a handgun and shot Diel at close range.
Despite being hit, Diel managed to run toward a roadside store about 400 meters away.
A woman identified as Glo said she was eating inside the store when she heard gunfire and hurried footsteps.
Moments later, she heard someone calling for help.
Diel forced open the store door and went inside, seeking refuge.
However, Cerilo chased after him and shot him twice more before fleeing.
Diel suffered gunshot wounds to the side of his body and chest.
He was brought to Ramon Duremdes District Hospital in Dumangas, where he was declared dead on arrival.
Authorities believe the motive stemmed from a previous altercation during the Barangay Bolilao fiesta on April 20.
Reports said Diel’s live-in partner is a neighbor of the suspect.
Diel was allegedly involved in a commotion during the fiesta, where he reportedly threw punches at Cerilo, who was trying to pacify the situation.
The incident led to Diel’s arrest, but he was later released after a settlement.
