Drunk DPWH worker shoots two men in bar

BANGUED, Abra --  – A 33-year old employee of the Department of Public Works and Highways – Abra Engineering District was arrested by law enforcers after he reportedly shot  two individuals during a drinking session inside the MS Disco Bar here at Barangay Zone 5 around 10:30 p.m. on Jan. 22.

Senior Supt.  Benjamin M. Lusad, Abra provincial director, identified the gunman as Junie Viste Balmaceda, a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Lacub, Abra and an employee of the DPWH Abra district  while the victims were identified as Lester Lacaden Bayongan, 30, a resident of Lingey, Bucloc, Abra and Rommel Cabanting Stock, 30 and a resident of Sabnangan, Luba Abra.

Balmaceda and the victims were drinking in separate tables inside the establishment when a misunderstanding ensued that resulted to a heated altercation between the two parties.

Balmaceda left the place and later returned and without any reason immediately shot the victims several times.

Lester Bayongan sustained a gunshot wound on his buttocks while Rommel Stock sustained multiple gunshot wounds in the different parts of his body. Both victims of the shooting incident were immediately brought to the Abra Provincial Hospital for medical treatment while the suspect was able to escape from the crime scene prior to the arrival of responding police operatives.

The following day, Balmaceda was arrested by operatives of the Bangued police after a pursuit operation was conducted.

Police also recovered the Cal. 45 which he used in shooting Bayongan and Stock while police rrecovered 4 fired cartridges and a deformed fired bullet of Cal. 45, and two metal fragments in the crime scene.

Chief Supt. Isagani R. Nerez, regional director of the Police Regional Office (PRO) in the Cordillera, lauded the policemen for arresting the suspect.