By Jennifer P. Rendon
A manhunt operation was launched against a 30-year-old man who gunned down his friend late afternoon of March 8, 2020 in Lambunao, Iloilo.
Jethro Palma, 30, of Barangay Maribong, Lambunao fled and remains at large after allegedly killing his neighbor, 36-year old Gilbert Lavente.
Police Staff Sergeant Ramon Legayada, Lambunao PNP investigator, said Lavente suffered gunshot wounds on his buttock, right foot, and left side of the neck, which caused his instant death.
Prior to the incident, Palma went to Lavente’s house and asked the latter to join him for a drink.
Lavente declined but offered to accompany Palma. They went to the store where the suspect drank liquor.
But for some unknown reason, the two figured in a quarrel.
Lavente’s 17-year-old son claimed that he saw Palma hit his father. He immediately persuaded the victim to go home to avoid more physical tussle.
But unknown to his family, Lavente took a chisel and went out to look for the suspect.
Palma also went home and retrieved his 12-gauge shotgun.
Before Lavente could stab Palma with the chisel, Palma allegedly shot him twice.
The first shot hit Lavente on the buttock. As he fell to the ground, Palma again shot him on the neck.
The suspect fled after the incident while the victim was taken to the hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.
