The Philippine National Police in Abra sets up a checkpoint in one of the strategic areas in the province in this photo taken on Jan. 12 to enforce the gun ban and strengthen security during the election period. - PNP Abra via PDI/ANN
BAGUIO CITY: A man was killed and another wounded in a shooting incident Monday (April 21) in Tayum town, Abra, about two kilometres from the municipal police station.
The fatality was identified as Jay-ar Tanura, 27, a resident of Barangay Gaddani. Meanwhile, Jordan Calaustro Barcena of Barangay Budac suffered gunshot wounds and is in stable condition.
The police said they received a report of the shooting at 3:40 p.m. in Sitio Agdamay, Barangay Budac.
The police added that Tayum mayoral candidate Kathlia Cariño Alcantara reported that her convoy was fired upon while on a campaign sortie in the village.
While en route to the scene, responding personnel from the Tayum Police and the Regional Mobile Force Battalion heard a gunshot and intercepted a black Ford Ranger driven by Jomel Barbieto Molina, 21.
Molina was found in possession of an unlicensed.45 caliber pistol. A second firearm, also a.45 caliber pistol and allegedly owned by Tanura, was discovered inside the vehicle.
Initial police investigations showed that members of Alcantara’s convoy, which included former Bangued Mayor Ryan Luna, exchanged gunfire with the convoy of Barangay Captain Walter Tugadi. Both Tanura and Barcena were reportedly with Tugadi’s group.
Authorities recovered several spent shell casings from.45 caliber and 5.56 mm firearms at the scene. A white Toyota pickup truck, bearing a bullet hole, was later found at Luna’s compound in Barangay Dangdangla, Bangued.
In a statement, Alcantara’s camp denounced the attack, describing it as a “cowardly act” and “a desperate attempt to silence democratic voices.” While no members of her team were injured, her vehicle was hit multiple times.
Police were conducting a thorough investigation and have urged the public to remain vigilant and support efforts to maintain peace and order ahead of the May elections.
The shooting marked the latest in a string of violent incidents in the province ahead of the upcoming May midterm elections. - Philippine Daily Inquirer/ANN
