DOLORES, Abra – A 31-year old farmer died while his 7-year old son was hurt after they were fired upon by a lone gunman in their neighborhood at sitio Bayyong, Kimmalaba, here, recently.
Senior Superintendent Antonio Bartolome, provincial director of the Abra Provincial Police Office, identified the fatality as Merlito Baldemor Buentipo, 31, live-in partner, farmer while his wounded son was named as Leo Mark Ventura Buentipo, 7 years old, Grade 2 pupil and he named the suspect as Rodel Talledo Pilor alias Bordado, all residents of Bayyong, Kimmalaba, Dolores, Abra.
Initial police investigation showed the suspect met the victim who was holding a bolo and teased him as if he was about to kill someone but the latter replied that he was not.
The victim, together with his live in partner and his son, proceeded to the irrigation canal to take a bath when the suspect, who was then holding a firearm, followed them at fired at them several times.
The victim and his family members tried to seek refuge in a nearby house but they were followed by the suspect who repeatedly shot them several times.
The victim was rushed to a local hospital for medical treatment but he was declared dead on arrival while his son was declared out of danger.
The case is still subject to investigation to ascertain the motive behind the shooting incident.
By Dexter A. See