By Jennifer P. Rendon
A pastor was fatally shot inside his vehicle on the evening of January 10 in Pavia, Iloilo.
The victim, identified as 62-year-old Douglas Jover of Telecom Compound, Barangay Quintin Salas, Jaro, Iloilo City, was rushed to the Pavia Rural Health Unit but was declared dead on arrival.
Initial reports revealed that Jover sustained a gunshot wound to the head, with the bullet entering through his mouth.
The assailant fled on a motorcycle driven by an accomplice. Investigators believe the suspects may have escaped toward Jaro or Leganes town.
Residents reported hearing gunfire around 6:30 p.m. Shortly after, they saw Jover’s vehicle, a white Geely Coolray crossover, crash into a roadside fence.
Victim Likely Knew the Assailant
Police are considering the possibility that Jover knew the gunman, who was believed to have been inside the vehicle at the time of the attack.
Jover’s family stated he would not allow strangers to hitch a ride, a sentiment echoed by Major Harold Rendora, Pavia police chief.
“That’s why we believe the victim knew his assailant,” Rendora said.
Before the incident, Jover visited La Paz, Iloilo City, to have his eyeglasses repaired. He was accompanied by an elderly woman and a person with a disability. The group returned home at 5 p.m.
Jover later left his house to travel to Pavia to conduct dog immunizations. It is unclear where the gunman may have hitched a ride.
Persons of Interest Identified
As of Sunday afternoon, police said they had identified three persons of interest in the case.
“Their identities were determined after reviewing footage from several CCTV cameras,” Rendora said.
However, investigators have yet to establish a motive for the killing.
“It’s not robbery, as nothing was taken,” Rendora clarified.
Aside from being a pastor, Jover also worked as a veterinarian. Police continue to investigate the case.
