BANGUED, Abra – A farmer was killed and a former municipal councilor was wounded in shooting incidents in Abra on Sunday, September 1.
Police identified the fatality as Hidalgo G. Villanueva, 41, of Barangay Patucannay, Tayum and Tarlac City.
Villanueva died on the spot after he was shot in the head by one of two suspects identified as John Lou S. Vista of Barangay Pulot, Lagayan, Abra and Kaieth J. Monhe, 21, of Barangay Budac, Tayum at 4:30 p.m. in Sitio Lugit, Barangay Patucannay.
On the other hand, former Dolores, Abra Councilor Gregorio Castillo, 74, was wounded after he was shot in Sitio Curapo, Barangay Poblacion, Dolores, at 9:30 a.m.
Police said the victim was about to park his car in front of a vacant lot when a man driving a motorcycle appeared and shot him.
The suspect fled and Castillo, who sustained multiple bullet wounds, was taken to the hospital.
Residents and League of Municipalities national chairman and La Paz, Abra Mayor JB Bernos condemned the shooting incidents.
Bernos urged police “to closely look into the matter and thwart any break out of violence in the province.”
He said there is no place for violence in the province and elsewhere in the country because it impedes progress and development.
Bernos called on the people to participate in peace-building and report violence to shed off the dark past of Abra.
Police are pursuing the suspects.