SARIAYA, Quezon - A fisherman was killed while his companion was wounded after they were attacked by unidentified assailants while they were fishing at the municipal water here on Wednesday evening, Jan. 18.
According to Sherwin Rosales, employee of the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), the victim was identified as Alvin. P. Ramirez, 32, and a resident of Barangay Bignay 1, while his wounded companion was identified as Teody Lebris.
Ramirez was hit on the face by a bullet that exited on his head.
Rosales said around 8 p.m., Ramirez and his group were catching fishes when the unidentified gunmen opened fire toward them, with several bullets hitting their motorized boat.
Police investigation was delayed because of the question of jurisdiction since the crime happened at the municipal boundary of Sariaya and San Juan in Batangas.
Based on the Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates of Bantay Dagat of this town, the place of incident is part of the municipal water of Sariaya.
Sariaya mayor Marcelo Gayeta instructed the local police to conduct an investigation.
Based on the revelation of a fisherman who requested not to be named, the small fishermen experienced harassment and the incident of shooting was done previously.
The said group introduced themselves as members of Bantay Dagat and residents in San Juan town. The sources added that the said group was asking for a share from their catches.
The small fishermen group and the relatives of Ramirez are now clamoring for justice and speedy resolution of the incident.