ANGELES CITY, Pampanga – A standup comedian was shot dead in a beer house in Barangay Ninoy Aquino here on Saturday, March 15.
Police identified the victim as Gold Dagal, 38.
DAGAL (FB)
Investigation said Dagal was sitting when three unidentified men appeared. One of them approached and shot him. Dagal sustained bullet wounds and taken to a hospital where he was declared dead.
His mother Jocelyn Cruz said that her son passed away nine hours after he was shot.
“Someone shot my only son in the face which caused his death nine hours later. Doctors tried to revive him each time he would have cardiac arrest, which happened more than 10 times. My son is gone,” Cruz said.
“A hired killer ended his life and made sure he does not survive. Why this happened? I know those he offended with his jokes during one of his stints in his standup comedy shows had planned to end his life like how they constantly threatened,” she added.
The victim was known for his jokes that could have offended the religious sector.
Dagal had been receiving death threats before he was killed.
A former standup comedian mourned his death.
“I’m still in shock over what happened to Gold Dagal. A comedian being gunned down at his own show for telling a joke is beyond tragic. It’s horrific. Gold just wanted to make people laugh,” Paul Fox said in his Facebook page.
“From the moment I met him, he went out of his way to help me. In my short time in comedy, I’ve never met anyone more genuine.”
"His honesty and feedback inspired me to carve my own path. I wanted to post a photo from the show we did together, but when I checked, he wasn’t in it – he’d stepped outside for a smoke during the group picture. That was Gold. He always did things his own way. Rest in peace, my friend. You’ll be deeply missed,” he added.
"Pampanga’s Jest is deeply devastated by the killing of our dear friend and fellow comedian, Gold Dagal. Standup comedy is an art meant to uplift people’s spirits, and it is heartbreaking that such a violent act took place in a space meant for laughter and joy,” a standup comedy group said.
“We strongly condemn this act of violence and are fully cooperating with law enforcement in their ongoing investigation. We grieve with Gold’s family and loved ones in this painful time. We also extend our thoughts to the audience, fellow comedians, and venue staff who endured this traumatic event,” said Pampanga’s Jest.