Electric cooperative head shoots, kills self; cop slain

BY NORMAN CAGUIOA

MANGATAREM, Pangasinan--- A 55-year-old manager of a power cooperative here was killed last Tuesday morning of July 17 when his licensed firearm accidentally went off while he was cleaning it.

The Mangatarem police identified the victim as Antonio A. Saura, married, of Barangay Osmena, area manager of the Central Pangasinan Electric Cooperative (Cenpelco) with main office in San Carlos Pangasinan.

Initial investigation showed Saura was cleaning his licensed firearm in his room when the gun went off, killing him instantly.

His brother identified as Martin of Barangay General Luna visited his brother that day. He said he heard a gunshot after their conversation and while he was leaving the place.

Police theorized that Saura was killed when his gun slipped and he accidentally squeezed the trigger.

He might not have known that the gun was loaded with bullets, police said.

Policemen found at the crime scene the victim’ licensed firearm, an Amscor Cal. 45 pistol with serial no. 10338446, a spent shell, and a deformed Cal.. 45 slug.

Policemen were still investigating other angles in the death of the manager.

The gun is now in the custody of the police.

Meanwhile, in Bugallon, Pangasinan, a 47-year-old member of the Bugallon police station was killed by two unidentified men in Barangay Hacienda evening on July 15.

The police identified the policemen as Senior Police Officer 1 Nelson M. Labiano.

Investigation showed the policeman was sitting on a concrete bench in a waiting shed when the two men casually approached him and fired at him several times.