VINCENZO SAGUN, Zamboanga del Sur (June 20, 2025) — Tragedy struck on the night of June 19 when Jesrel Gasper Himang, the Provincial Information Officer (PIO) of Zamboanga del Sur, was shot dead by his own security escort during a drinking session at a beach resort in Barangay Ambulon, Vincenzo Sagun.
The incident occurred at around 11:50 p.m. inside the function hall of RM Beach Resort in Purok Puting Balas. Himang, 40, a resident of Barangay Kawit, Pagadian City, was reportedly drinking with the suspect, Reymond Antifuelo Lopecillo, 29, a resident of Babylop, Midsalip. Also present was a 24-year-old female companion, identified as Celgwen Mae Quirbajosa Arellano, a student from Tigbao.
Initial police investigation revealed that an argument broke out between Himang and Lopecillo, who was allegedly intoxicated at the time. The confrontation quickly escalated, prompting Lopecillo to draw a .45 caliber Armscor pistol and shoot Himang multiple times — hitting him in the nose, abdomen, and right arm. Arellano was also struck twice in the upper buttocks, with the bullets exiting through her waist.
Responding officers from Vincenzo Sagun Municipal Police Station (MPS), led by Officer-in-Charge PCPT Brainhull A. Sakkam, immediately proceeded to the scene upon receiving a report at 11:55 p.m. The victims had already been rushed by family members to the Margosatubig Regional Hospital. Himang was declared dead on arrival, while Arellano remains confined and is undergoing medical treatment.
Police operatives were able to swiftly arrest Lopecillo at the scene. They confiscated the firearm used in the crime — a .45 caliber pistol with serial number 450238 — along with one magazine containing nine live rounds and an empty magazine. Authorities read Lopecillo his rights under the Miranda Doctrine and brought him to the Vincenzo Sagun MPS for proper disposition.
As of this writing, charges are being prepared against the suspect. Police continue to investigate the motive behind the deadly altercation. The crime scene was also processed by personnel from the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO).
The news of Himang’s death has sent shockwaves across the province, with colleagues, local government officials, and community members mourning the loss of a dedicated public servant. Messages of sympathy and condolences have flooded social media, as many remember him for his commitment to transparency and public service.
The case investigator, PSSg Rowe C. Cabrisis, can be reached at 0970-872-3885 for further inquiries related to the investigation.