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ILOILO CITY, Iloilo — Following the deaths of four men in a street brawl that was triggered by the altercation between two families, Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) officer-in-charge Colonel Wilbert Parilla has called on city leaders, including barangay officials, to strictly implement policies on maintaining peace and order in their respective communities.
Parilla was referring to a recent incident where a 68-year-old man and three others were killed while two more were critically injured after two families clashed during a heated argument that triggered a blood street brawl with bladed weapons in a small barangay in La Paz, Iloilo.
Based on the initial report of the local police, the fatalities were identified as Johnny Provido Sr., 68; his sons Johnny, 40 and Joeven, 46; and Tyron Muya, 33.
All four victims were declared dead on arrival by attending physicians after being rushed to the Saint Paul’s Hospital and other nearby medical facilities. Two other members of the Muya family sustained multiple stab wounds and are currently receiving medical treatment under strict police custody.
According to the authorities, the violent confrontation broke out at 9:40 p.m. between members of the Muya and Provido families, all residents of the barangay, that was triggered by a heated altercation and led to the opposing parties arming themselves with knives and engage in a street brawl.
Parilla has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident even as Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) immediately proceeded to the crime scene and recoverred several weapons. Investigators are also reviewing CCTV footage and gathering witness testimonies to establish the exact sequence of events and determine individual liabilities.
While the exact cause of the initial argument remains under investigation, police are looking into illegal drugs and an uncontrolled drinking spree as possible underlying factors.
The police cited that the tragedy highlights the dangerous consequences of illegal drugs and violent behavior aggravated by alcohol consumption, which of late have increased significantly in his jurisdiction.
In the wake of the incident, Parilla called on local government and community leaders to step up vigilance: “We call on barangay officials to strictly enforce curfew and local ordinances, and to strengthen interventions against drinking-related disturbances.”
