By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

PHOTO: Panay News

A Foodpanda delivery rider was shot dead by a security guard along De Leon Street in Iloilo City on Holy Wednesday, March 31.

The victim, identified as Joemar Sanchez of Barangay Bitoon in Jaro district, suffered multiple gunshot wounds and died at the scene.

After shooting the FoodPanda rider, the security guard and suspect Argie Solis of Laua-an, Antique, immediately fled the crime scene but was later on intercepted by Laua-an police station personnel in Sibalum, Antique on Wednesday night. 

Solis is an employee of Grabato Investigation Risk Management and Security Service, Inc., was assigned to Malayan Bank.

Based on the initial investigation, Police Captain Shella Mae Acanto Sangrines, Iloilo City Police Station 1 chief, said the victim went to the bank to deliver a meal pack ordered by an employee.

The security guard allegedly got irked when the rider in a yellow-green raincoat placed the "wet" meal pack on top of his log book, which then resulted to a heated argument, prompting the suspect to draw his gun and fire at the victim. 

Meanwhile, Foodpanda Iloilo has also expressed its condolences to the the bereaved family: "We are deeply saddened by the news (on) the passing of Joemar Sanchez, one of our valued riders in Iloilo. Our deepest sympathies and our sincerest condolences go to his family and his loved ones. We are in touch with some Joemar's family so we can provide the necessary support they need during this difficult time."

"The authorities can expect our full cooperation in the ongoing investigation as we believe that anyone making an honest living should not experience such danger. While nothing can make up for losing a loved one, we are hoping for a quick resolution and that justice will be served for Joemar and his family," the company added. 

Meanwhile, riders on Wednesday evening placed candles in the area where their fellow rider was shot dead by a security guard. 


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