3 more shot dead in Abra as local polls draw near

By Mar T. Supnad

BANGUED, Abra - The political situation here is heating up as the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections draw near with the shooting to death of three more persons, including a town councilor and a municipal planning officer in the province.

Reports reaching police headquarters here said latest to be killed was Geronimo Torres, municipal planning officer of Bucay town who was shot dead by two men aboard a motorcycle morning of Oct. 7.

Torres’ companion identified as Cirilo Balneg, both of Panpaniki, Barangay Bangcagan, Bucay town, was also hit by a bullet but is now in stable condition.

Initial investigation disclosed the victims together with Junior Jimenez were having a conversation in front of the Torres’ residence when the suspects suddenly arrived and pretended to inquire something when suddenly, the back rider shot the victims.

Geronimo Torres sustained gunshot wound on his left stomach and right breast while Balneg was shot on his left thigh and both were immediately rushed to the hospital but Torres was pronounced dead on arrival by the attending physician while Balneg is now in safe condition at a hospital.

Policemen recovered from the crime scene 12 cartridge cases and three slugs for Cal. 45.

In the second shooting incident, sangunian bayan member Arnulfo Callos of the San Isidro town in the province was also shot dead by a still unidentified perpetrator along Taff St. Zone 2, Bangued , Abra on Oct. 7.

The victim was then parking his motorcycle when gunmen arrived and shot him point blank.

Also on Oct. 7, Ariel de Leon of Sitio Ga-ang, Barangay Tagaytay, San Juan, Abra was also shot dead by unidentified armed men in the said barangay.

Initial investigation conducted disclosed three unidentified male persons went to the house of the victim and were seen having conversation outside the house when suddenly, the victim ran away from his house but was chased by the suspects who shot him at close range.

The victim sustained multiple gunshot wounds on the different parts of his body.

Police recovered three cartridge cases of Cal. 45 while the suspects are now subject of manhunt operations.

The police are now investigating to determine identity of the suspect and motive of the killing.

Meanwhile, Cordillera police Regional Director Chief Supt. Villamor Bumanglag, ordered the deployment of additional police from the Regional Public Safety Battalion to relieve tension in the violence-stricken province while Abra Task Force Commander Sr. Supt. Elmer Soria proceeded to the area to lead investigation of the case in coordination with the Special Investigation Task Group headed by provincial police director Senior Supt. Amando Lagiwid.

Abra is known as one of the most troubled provinces before, during and after election.