By Jennifer P. Rendon
Riding-in-tandem gunmen killed a 33-year-old fisherman afternoon of Oct 16, 2021 in Carles, Iloilo.
Jude Guillen, 33, a resident of Barangay Cabilao Grande, Carles, was repeatedly shot by motorcycle-riding suspects in the presence of his wife and infant child.
Guillen, his wife, and their child were in the area after allegedly receiving a text message around 1 p.m. Saturday.
The sender, who identified himself as an employee of the National Housing Authority, allegedly informed Guillen that he will be turning over documents of the NHA housing project at St. Therese Village where he was one of the recipients.
The sender instructed the victim to wait at the waiting shed of Barangay Dayhagan.
Fifty minutes later, the couple and their child arrived.
Major Nestor Bacuyag, Carles police chief, said there were three other persons at the waiting shed when the incident happened.
Guillen’s wife did not witness the actual assassination as she was preparing milk for their child.
Before she could ask the victim to momentarily carry the child, she heard a burst of gunfire.
The three other persons at the waiting shed said they saw two men on a motorcycle. The back rider, who was wearing a mask, alighted from the vehicle and repeatedly shot the victim.
They immediately fled after the incident.
Bacuyag said responders took the victim to Malbog District Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.
He suffered eight gunshot injuries – three on his back, three on his hip, and two on his thigh.
But Bacuyag said the post-mortem examination will determine the number of entry wounds.
Police recovered four cartridges and a slug of caliber .45 ammunition.
Bacuyag said they’re still investigating the matter. He confirmed that the victim was not on any police watchlist.
But Guillen was charged for frustrated murder by a “friend” last year.
Guillen was able to post bail for his temporary liberty.
Bacuyag said they’re also looking into the activities of the victim in the past weeks to determine if he had been at odds with any person.
