Suspect in P'que shooting says he was irked by victims’ noise, taunts

The gunman involved in the shooting at a basketball court in Marcelo Green, Parañaque City said he had long been annoyed by the noise and alleged provocation of some of the victims during his stay at the residential condominium.

According to a "24 Oras" Weekend report by Vonne Aquino on Saturday, the suspect was arrested Friday evening in a condominium unit in Barangay Moonwalk through a hot pursuit operation conducted by the National Capital Region Police Office.

The NCRPO and the Southern Police District said the condominium unit where the suspect was arrested was owned by his wife.

The suspect said he had long been irked by the noise made by one of the victims who lived in a unit above his.

He said he had complained several times but the noise did not stop.

“Nag-iingay ho, tapos nag-iinuman sila roon eh. Nagtatawanan tapos kung anu-ano ang sinasabi,” the suspect said.

(They were making noise and drinking there. They were laughing and saying various things.)

Asked how he knew he was the subject of their conversation, the suspect said they would allegedly taunt him.

“Kasi po sinasabi nila sa akin na… ‘Yung company namin ang pumatay sa nanay nya.,” the suspect said.

(Because they were telling me that our company was responsible for the death of his mother.)

Police said the gunman first went down from his unit to the basketball court at the time of the incident.

He then shot a 52-year-old victim at close range. The victim, reportedly his target, was watching a basketball game at the time.

CCTV footage showed the suspect later entering the basketball court and firing shots at other people.

“Kasi po nasa isip ko noon baka pagbabarilin ako, para mag-cover ako sa loob ng basketball court para ‘yung mga taga-roon kung barilin ako, at least meron akong depensa,” he said.

(Because I was thinking they might shoot me, so I took cover inside the basketball court. At least I would have some defense.)

Residents scattered as the shooting unfolded. Another victim later collapsed and eventually died.

“Sa labas ng court hinahabol kami, doon kami tinamaan na po. Si RJ po 'yung unang matamaan. Noong time na ‘yun, hindi ko po siya ininda, hindi siya masakit or anything po. Mas iniisip ko lang po na tumakbo para sa buhay namin,” said Kevin, who was shot in the elbow.

(We were chased outside the court and that’s where we were hit. RJ was the first to be hit. At that time I ignored the pain. I was only thinking about running for our lives.)

Meanwhile, a 26-year-old witness identified only as “Jake,” who was playing at the court when the gunman entered, said he immediately sought help from security guards after seeing several people lying on the ground.

A foreigner also reportedly to assist the victims.

Jake said the suspect’s primary target was a victim identified as “Edwin,” who had previously argued with the suspect.

The suspect, aged 59, was also known to lose his temper over minor issues, he added.

“Since last year pa, ‘yung lalaki, katok siya nang katok sa victim. May mga naririnig ang suspek na parang may maiingay, may mga nagpupukpok. Ilang beses nang nangyari ‘yon,” Jake said.

(Since last year, the gunman had been repeatedly knocking on the victim’s door after hearing loud noises or banging. This had happened several times.)

After the shooting, the suspect allegedly walked out of the condominium premises to flee. CCTV footage later showed him carrying an umbrella and wearing a mask.

Police said they will also investigate the possible liability of the condominium management and its security personnel.

GMA Integrated News attempted to obtain a statement from the condominium management, whose representatives visited the wake of one of the victims, but they declined to comment.

“Management is fully cooperating with the police and remains committed to supporting the ongoing investigation,” Azure Property Management said in a statement.

Authorities recovered two 9mm pistols, four magazines, and ammunition from the suspect.

Investigators are also looking into how the suspect was able to obtain a license for another firearm despite having a homicide case in 2012.

According to the NCRPO, the Taguig City Police attempted to serve a warrant of arrest in March 2024 after a court convicted the suspect in the homicide case, but officers failed to locate him.

The suspect was subjected to inquest proceedings on Saturday for two counts of murder and multiple frustrated murder.

“Nagsisisi at hindi ko ginusto iyon. Na-provoke lang ako dahil sobrang nakakapikon talaga ‘yung ginagawa nila,” the suspect said.

(I regret it and I did not intend to do it. I was just provoked because what they were doing was really irritating.)—Jamil Santos/MCG, GMA Integrated News