Four men died while two others were critically wounded after a heated dispute between two families escalated into a bloody duel in Barangay San Isidro, La Paz, Iloilo City, Saturday night, March 21.
The violent confrontation between members of the Muya and Provido families, who are all residents of the said barangay, broke out at around 9:40 p.m., according to the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO).
The fatalities were ide tified as Tyron Muya, 33; Johnny Provido Sr., 68; Johnny Provido Jr., 40; and Joeven Provido, 46. The four were declared dead on arrival by attending physicians.
Meanwhile, two other members of the Muya family—Gilbert, 39, and Glenbert, 43—sustained multiple stab wounds. They are currently receiving medical treatment while under strict police custody.
Police Colonel Wilbert B. Parilla, Officer-in-Charge of the ICPO, ordered a thorough investigation into the deadly incident.
Preliminary findings suggest the violence was triggered by an intense altercation that prompted both parties to arm themselves with bladed weapons and engage in a deadly street brawl.
Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) immediately processed the area, recovering several bladed weapons.
Investigators are also reviewing local CCTV footage and gathering witness testimonies to establish the exact sequence of events and individual liabilities.
While the exact cause of the initial argument remains under investigation, police are heavily looking into illegal drugs and an uncontrolled drinking spree as potential underlying motives for the conflict.
“We strongly condemn this senseless act of violence that resulted in the loss of lives,” Parilla said in a statement.
“I have directed all concerned units to conduct a thorough and in-depth investigation to establish the full circumstances of this incident and ensure that all responsible individuals will be held accountable before the law,” he added.
Appropriate criminal charges are currently being prepared against the surviving suspects, Gilbert and Glenbert Muya.IMT
