Tanod hurt in grenade blast

By Theresa Guinto-Pucay

BANGUED, Abra – A barangay tanod was injured here last week when two men riding in tandem reportedly threw a hand grenade at the gate of the residence of the village where he was at that time.

Police identified the victim as Romeo A. Bicera, 43, married who at the time was sleeping at the terrace of the house.

Bicera was hit by shrapnel on his left foot and was immediately brought to Abra Provincial Hospital for medical treatment.

The steel gate of the house was damaged including the adjacent house of the barangay chairman’s sister identified as Edna B. Ledda.

Romulo B. Burton, 57, married, resident and chairman of Barangay Calaba of this capital town, said the incident happened July 30 at about 12:50 a.m.

Police investigation revealed that prior to the explosion, unidentified suspects riding in tandem on a color black Honda TMX without plate number were seen in the area and fled after the incident.

Police got eight pieces of metal fragments, one safety lever and one angle bar measuring about 11 inches scattered at the pavement between the house of the punong barangay and his sister.

Police said earlier, the barangay chief instructed his tanods to render duty alternately while others take their rest.

While he was inside his house, a loud explosion was heard. His tanods reported that a hand grenade was thrown at the entrance gate by unidentified male persons riding on a motorcycle.

Based on police inspection, the point of detonation was on the steel gate near the post fronting the house of Burton which might indicate that the perpetrators had no intention to harm or kill the occupants especially the punong barangay but to threaten and create fear.

Investigations are still on for immediate identification and arrest of the suspect.