A GOVERNMENT official was killed while his companion was wounded in a shooting incident allegedly involving the official’s own security escort in Zamboanga del Sur, police said Friday, June 20, 2025.
Colonel Bonifacio Arañas Jr., Zamboanga del Sur police director, identified the fatality as Jesriel Himang, 40, provincial public information officer.
Also wounded in the incident was Celgwen Arellano, 24, who was with Himang at the time. The suspect was identified as Reymond Lopecillo, 29, a militiaman and Himang’s assigned security escort.
Arañas said the incident occurred around 11:50 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, at a resort in Purok Puting Balas, Barangay Ambulon, Vincenzo Sagun, Zamboanga del Sur.
Initial investigation revealed that prior to the shooting, Himang and Lopecillo were having a drinking session during a celebration at the resort’s function hall.
While preparing to leave, Himang allegedly berated Lopecillo in front of other guests after discovering that their vehicle’s battery had died because the suspect failed to turn off the headlights when he parked it.
Lopecillo said he quickly drew his .45 caliber pistol and opened fire on Himang after seeing the official allegedly reaching for his own handgun. He claimed that no one else was in front of Himang when he fired, resulting in Arellano also being hit.
The victims were rushed to the Margosatubig Regional Hospital, where Himang was declared dead by the attending physician. Arellano was admitted for treatment.
Lopecillo was arrested by responding police officers, and charges are set to be filed against him. (SunStar Zamboanga)