PDEA officer, son shot dead in Candon

CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur – An officer of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Ilocos regional office and his son were shot to death Thursday by still unidentified suspects.

Police identified the victims as case officer Edward Gautani Sr.and his son Edward Gautani Jr.

PDEA regional director Roberto S. Opena said the victims were having dinner with four family members at the beach resort of the elder Gautani’s mother when two unidentified men arrived and ordered four bottles of beer.

While a family member went towards their store to get the bottles of beer, one of the suspects pulled out a gun and shot Edward Sr. several times on his body.

The victim was able to run away from the suspects but later collapsed about three meters where he was seated.

His son, Edward Jr., a sixteen year old high school student tried to help his father but was also shot on the head and stomach.

Both victims were brought to St. Martin de Pores Hospital but were pronounced dead on arrival.

Opena said Cal. 45 and 9 mm shells were found at the crime scene, prompting officials to suspect that it was carried out by professional hit men but motives are still unknown.

Edward Sr. was also an asset who with his street smart information gathering led to many successful anti-narcotics operation.

He was also a former army and police confidential asset before joining the PDEA last year.

“Both the police and our office still investigating,” said Opena. “We are delving deeper if this is connected to drugs or any other motives and we won’t stop until the men responsible are dealt with.