PUDTOL, Apayao – An employee of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) based in the province died after he was shot to death by a neighbour while having a drinking spree in their neighbourhood at Swan, here, Friday night.
Senior Superintendent Felix Dayag, officer-in-charge of the Apayao Provincial Police Office, identified the fatality as Eric Siab Alawin, married, DPWH employee while he named the suspect who is now at large as Ronel Melad both residents of Swan Pudtol, Apayao.
Initial police investigation showed the victim and several companions had a drinking session in a waiting shed near their house and after consuming a bottle of liquor, they decided to join a bigger group in their neighbourhood who were also having a drinking session.
After a few moments, the suspect, who was allegedly armed with a long firearm suddenly arrived in the place and started provoking everyone. The owner of the house tried to pacify him but the suspect hit him on his mouth using the butt of his homemade shotgun.
At this juncture, the victim tried to assault the suspect but he was immediately fired upon hitting him on his back that caused his instantaneous death.
Responding police operatives and elements of the Scene of the Crime Operation (SOCO) team recovered from the crime scene eight spent shells of a still undetermined type of firearm while the suspect was able to elude arrest.
Probers theorized the motive of the incident was an alleged old grudge between the victim and the suspect who is now the subject of a manhunt operation by police personnel.
By Dexter A. See