BINMALEY, Pangasinan – A popular disc jockey and rapper in this province was gunned down in Barangay Baybay Lopez here on Tuesday night, August 6.
Police identified victim as Tony Joe Labong Coquia, 33, alias MC and DJ Sultan Toj, from Barangay Libsong West, Lingayen, Pangasinan.
COQUIA (FB)
Initial investigation said that the victim and suspects, who were acquaintances – a certain Billy Esguerra and an unidentified companion – agreed to meet up in the area to discuss their differences.
After their conversation, the victim returned to his car.
However, the suspects followed him and opened the front passenger door and shot him in the presence of his wife, Jessica, and a friend, Terrence Don Buenaventura Gallardo, 24.
The suspects fled onboard a car and Coquia was taken to a hospital in Dagupan City where he was declared dead.
Police said motive of the killing could be personal following a misunderstanding over their fraternal affiliation.
Mayor Belen Fernandez here condemned the killing of Coquia who composed his election campaign jingle.
"Napakaaga naman, Tony Joe. Masakit (Too early, Tony Joe. Painful). You will always be remembered as the voice behind everyone's favorite campaign jingle, ‘Mayor Belen su mayor mi (isa pa, isa pa) makuli tan masirbi (isa pa, isa pa)…(Mayor Belen is our mayor eager to serve one more one more)."
Fernandez was a reelectionist in the 2022 elections.
The victim was reportedly a good rapper and friendly to colleagues.
The Equinox Superclub in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan where he performs was deeply saddened by the victim’s death.
"Sultan Toj was not just a DJ or MC. His energy and talent in every performance brought life to every night and his presence will never be forgotten. He will always leave us with a passion that reminds us of his spirit and love for his craft," it said in a Facebook post. "Rest in power Toj. Your legacy will live on in every beat we play and every rhythm we feel."
Police are conducting follow-up and pursuit operations.