Early Sunday morning, October 11, a dramatic incident unfolded in Iloilo City involving a police pursuit that left a 29-year-old man, related to the local mayor, seriously injured. The man, who is a second cousin to Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas, was wounded after law enforcement officers opened fire on his vehicle during the pursuit, which stemmed from a hit-and-run incident.
The individual, identified as an ophthalmologist, suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen and was promptly transported to a nearby hospital where he is currently in stable condition. Mayor Treñas publicly acknowledged their familial connection and emphasized the need for a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the incident, asserting the importance of fairness, regardless of the people involved.
According to the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), three officers from the Iloilo City Police Station 2 responded to a distress call around 1 a.m. The call reported that a black Honda Accord had collided with a roadside vegetable stand and a parked motorcycle in Barangay Baldoza, La Paz. Following the crash, the driver fled the scene, leading police on a chase toward Barangay La Granja.
During the pursuit, the police attempted to intercept the vehicle. However, they alleged that the driver tried to ram into them, prompting officers to discharge their firearms. The chase concluded near a gasoline station in Barangay Caingin, where the driver ultimately surrendered. Upon inspection, police noted that the sedan had several bullet holes, with damage evident on its rear tires and passenger-side window. Bullet casings were also recovered from the scene, corroborating the use of firearms by the officers.
In light of the incident, Col. Wilbert Parilla, the ICPO director, has ordered a detailed investigation into the officers' actions. He has confirmed that the three officers involved have been temporarily reassigned to the ICPO's administrative office, as is customary in cases like this. Their service firearms have been submitted for examination to the crime laboratory to ensure compliance with investigative protocols.
During a press statement, Col. Parilla urged the public to withhold judgment until the full circumstances surrounding the incident have been determined. He underscored the commitment of the police to uphold accountability and due process throughout the ongoing investigation. Parilla stated that the community should rely on verified information rather than speculation as the inquiry continues.