Village watchman shot dead in Ilocos Sur

BAGUIO CITY –– A village watchman in Santa town, Ilocos Sur province died after their village chief, who responded to a brawl, shot him on Monday evening, the police said.

The fatality was identified as Elson Bayya, 52, of Barangay Dammay.

Initial investigation showed that the suspect, Mariano Umipig, intervened during an argument between Bayya and a relative around 8:45 p.m.

Bayya had reportedly turned unruly, prompting his companions to call the village chief.

When Umipig tried to pacify Bayya, the latter charged at the village chief with a knife.

Police said Umipig then drew his handgun and shot Bayya several times.

The victim was rushed to the Ilocos Sur Provincial Hospital but later died.

Umipig immediately surrendered to the police.

Forensic investigators said they did not find the firearm and knife at the scene.

But Scene of the Crime Operatives recovered seven spent bullet shells, a live bullet, and a slug for a 9-mm caliber handgun.

Umipig said he shot Bayya in self-defense.

LZB