4 dead, 4 wounded in Iloilo shootout

ILOILO CITY—Four persons were killed and four others were wounded in a shoot-out at a covered court in the city during a village bikini contest after midnight on Friday.

Among the dead were Barangay Captain Rolando Tabuada Jr. of Tacas in Jaro district and PO3 Jerome Jaculina, an intelligence officer of the Jaro police station, according to Iloilo City police director Senior Supt. Marietto Valerio.

Also killed in the shooting were Remy Jaculina, cousin of the slain policeman, and tricycle driver Avelino Savidalas, who was hit in the crossfire.

The wounded were identified as Archie Degoma Sr., Sonia Apostol and two other relatives of the policeman—Rio Jaculina and Richard Jaculina. They were confined at the West Visayas State University Medical Center.

Police failed to recover any firearm but at least 153 shells of  9mm, .45 and .38 cal. firearms were recovered at the covered court of Barangay Tacas where the shoot-out erupted at 12:10 a.m.

Valerio said they were still investigating the cause of the incident and who started the shooting.

But initial investigation showed that Jaculina came to the “Miss Summer Babe” bikini contest with two relatives from Manila.

Jaculina, a resident of Tacas village, and his relatives allegedly protested the P3,000 bill for the food and beer they consumed while watching the fund-raising contest.

The village chair tried to intervene in the argument that ensued between Jaculina’s group and event organizers.

Valerio said the slain policeman’s group was on their way out and  had apologized for the altercation when the shooting erupted.

The shooting that lasted around 10 minutes caused panic among residents who sought cover inside the gym and nearby houses.

Valerio said Jaculina was on duty during the incident.

Because of the shooting incident, Valerio released Friday a directive  that banned police officers from drinking in any village activity. “On duty or not, anyone found under the influence of intoxicating liquors may face suspension of dismissal from service,” he said.