By Jennifer P. Rendon
A construction worker was shot dead by his live-in partner’s former lover in what police believe to be a case of a love triangle in Pavia, Iloilo, on Dec. 1.
The victim, identified as 35-year-old Joven Galvez Job of Barangay Sapal, San Lorenzo, Guimaras, was shot at a beauty parlor on Gonzaga Street, Barangay Purok 4, Pavia.
The suspect, Arnold Mamon Viejo, 41, of Barangay Cabugao Norte, Pavia, allegedly used a 12-gauge shotgun to kill Job. Police officers responding to the incident immediately arrested Viejo.
Master Sergeant Luther Maderse, a Pavia police investigator, said Viejo had been in a relationship with the woman, alias Lyn, for 14 years before their separation earlier this year. The former couple has three children, the eldest being 14 years old.
Job and Lyn reportedly began living together on July 28, 2024. Lyn admitted she did not formally inform Viejo about her new relationship, fearing his reaction.
On the night before the incident, Viejo and Job crossed paths at the beauty parlor, where they both brought food for Lyn and her children. Viejo confronted Job, asking, “Ano plano mo sa asawa ko? Indi ko na gusto makita ka di” (“What are your plans with my wife? I don’t want to see you here anymore”).
Despite the tense encounter, no violence ensued. Job left the parlor that night and stayed at Barangay Lanit, while Viejo spent the night at the parlor before heading home to Cabugao the following morning.
On Dec. 1, Job returned to the parlor around 9 a.m. to retrieve a bag he had left behind. He stayed at the parlor for a while, even taking a bath, despite Lyn warning him not to visit frequently since Viejo lived nearby.
Two hours later, Viejo arrived at the parlor and asked their son to buy ice and soft drinks at a nearby store. Shortly after, Viejo pulled a break-type shotgun from his bag and shot Job.
Lyn said she witnessed the incident and, with her child, tried to stop Viejo from further attacking Job.
As he lay dying, Job reportedly told Lyn, “Sorry gid kay wala ko mamati nga indi na magkadto di” (“I’m sorry for not listening when you told me not to come here”). He asked Lyn to look after his two children, aged 14 and 10, and expressed his love for her with his final words.
Police recovered the shotgun used in the crime at the scene.
Viejo is now detained and faces a murder charge.
