One person was killed and another was injured after gunfire erupted during a campaign convoy in Sitio Agdamay, Barangay Budac, Tayum, Abra.
The victims were identified as Jomel Barbieto Molina, Jordan Calaustro Barcena, Jay-ar Tanura, and Walter Tugadi. Tanura died while being treated in the hospital, while Barcena remains in stable condition after being rushed to Seares Memorial Hospital.
According to Abra Provincial Police Office, mayoralty candidate Kathlia Cariño Alcantara personally reported the incident. Initial police investigations indicate the shooting occurred when Alcantara’s group, accompanied by Barangay Captain Ryan Luna, encountered Tugadi’s group during a campaign activity.
Barcena claimed that Ryan Luna and Raffy Tejero allegedly opened fire from Alcantara’s convoy. No injuries were reported on Alcantara’s side.
Recovered from the scene were shell casings from a .45 caliber and a 5.56 mm firearm. Luna was arrested at the scene. Charges for violating Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) and COMELEC Resolution No. 11067 are being prepared against Luna, Tejero, and four other unidentified suspects.
The situation is now under control but classified the incident as election-related. Investigations are ongoing.
