By Jennifer P. Rendon
An ex-convict who was reported for indiscriminately firing his gun was wounded in a police shootout in Pavia, Iloilo on the evening of April 12.
Alias Joel, 34, a resident of NHA, Barangay Balabag, Pavia, sustained a gunshot wound to the right shoulder.
Major Jose Nemias Pamplona, Pavia police chief, said SWAT-trained operatives were left with no choice but to shoot the suspect to subdue him.
“But there was no intent to kill. We just wanted to neutralize him so that he could not inflict harm,” Pamplona said.
Earlier that day, a resident of Barangay Balabag reported that a neighbor was illegally discharging a firearm outside his house.
Responding police officers arrived and saw Joel armed, loading and cocking his firearm before entering his residence.
Pamplona said they coordinated with the suspect’s family and barangay officials to negotiate his peaceful surrender.
However, instead of yielding, the suspect allegedly fired at the police officers who were cordoning the area.
“That’s why, when one of our operatives had a clear shot, he fired at the suspect,” Pamplona added.
Joel was previously imprisoned following a drug buy-bust operation.
He was released in December 2024 after availing of a plea bargaining agreement.
Pamplona also confirmed that the suspect had been previously accused of frustrated murder in connection with a stabbing incident.
Rescue group PAVERS brought Joel to the Western Visayas Medical Center in Iloilo City, where he remains under hospital arrest.
