By Jennifer P. Rendon
Two men accused of assassinating a barangay chairwoman and her husband in Dueñas, Iloilo, on Dec. 5, 2024, have been charged with two counts of murder.
Iloilo Police Chief Col. Bayani Razalan said in a press conference Thursday that the case was filed before the Iloilo Provincial Prosecutor’s Office on the afternoon of Feb. 26.
He did not disclose the suspects’ identities but claimed they were likely hired gunmen.
One of the suspects has an outstanding arrest warrant for violating Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and RA 9516 (Illegal Possession of Explosives).
Razalan said the suspects, both from Iloilo province, have remained in the area nearly three months after allegedly killing Barangay Captain Michelle Lapastora Lamela, 47, and her husband, Rodney Arellano Lamela, 48, of Barangay Sto. Niño, Dueñas.
Investigators believe the attack was motivated by an old grudge.
“The main target was Rodney. The first burst of gunfire was directed at him,” Razalan said.
Days after the murder, police identified two persons of interest, but Razalan clarified that they were not the same individuals now facing charges.
Instead, investigators suspect they were the ones who hired the gunmen.
In 2008, Rodney was accused of homicide, but the case was dismissed following a settlement with the victim’s family.
Sixteen years later, police theorized that the victim’s sons—allegedly active members of the uniformed service—may have sought revenge.
Last year, unidentified assailants strafed the couple’s hut in a separate attack.
On the day of the murder, the couple was riding a motorcycle driven by Rodney when two motorcycle-riding suspects ambushed them in Barangay Tinucuan.
Both victims sustained multiple gunshot wounds.
They were rushed to Don Valerio Palmares Sr. District Hospital in Passi City but were declared dead on arrival.
