In Iloilo City, a police shooting incident involving a 29-year-old optometrist, who is also a cousin of Mayor Raisa Treñas, has led to criminal charges being filed against him following a tense police pursuit. The incident occurred early Sunday morning, October 11, after the suspect allegedly fled the scene of a hit-and-run involving a black Honda Accord, which struck a roadside vegetable stall and a parked motorcycle in Barangay Baldoza.
Authorities from the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) reported that officers responded to a 911 call regarding the hit-and-run and pursued the suspect's vehicle toward Barangay La Granja. After intercepting the car in Barangay Caingin, the police attempted to apprehend the driver, who allegedly refused to comply and attempted to ram the officers, prompting the police to fire their weapons. According to police records, the vehicle sustained 11 bullet holes and continued moving for approximately 200 meters before coming to a stop near a gasoline station.
The driver was found with a gunshot wound to the abdomen and was immediately transported to a hospital. As of now, he is stable but remains under hospital arrest. No firearm was recovered from his vehicle, and police are awaiting the results of a medical examination to check for any potential alcohol consumption at the time of the incident.
By Monday, October 12, investigators had filed three serious charges against the driver: direct assault, attempted homicide, and reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property. Mayor Treñas acknowledged her relationship to the suspect and expressed her commitment to a fair investigation, urging that any evidence of criminal liability should lead to appropriate charges.
Three police officers involved in the shooting have been reassigned to administrative duties as part of the ongoing investigation. This step is a standard procedure following any officer-involved shooting, according to Col. Wilbert Parilla, the ICPO director. He emphasized that the reassignment was not influenced by the driver’s relation to the mayor, dispelling any rumors of bias or impropriety.
Parilla reassured the public that the police would adhere to due process during the investigation and called for patience while the circumstances around the shooting are thoroughly reviewed. In addition to the ICPO’s internal investigation, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) has launched a separate inquiry into the incident to ensure accountability and transparency.
Napolcom's regional office in Western Visayas is set to investigate whether the use of force by the officers was justified and in accordance with police procedures. Napolcom-6 Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan has underscored the commitment to avoid cover-ups and uphold the integrity of the investigation.
As this incident continues to unfold, Mayor Treñas and the authorities are urging the community to refrain from making hasty judgments, allowing law enforcement to establish all relevant facts before drawing conclusions.