Masked gunman shoots dead farmer, son in N. Vizcaya

Duplax del Norte, Nueva Vizcaya

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — Masked men shot to death a 46-year old farmer and his son in Dupax del Norte town on Wednesday evening (May 31), police said.

Alein Pimentel was drinking with two male friends at the front porch of his house in Munguia village when the gunmen drove up on a motorcycle purportedly to buy cigarettes at the family’s store, and shot him at close range.

The victim’s son, Ian Jay Pimentel, 26, shielded his father with his body, and was also shot dead, said Chief Insp. Alexander Balut, Dupax del Norte police chief.

Police recovered seven shells of a .45-pistol at the crime scene.

Balut said the elder Pimentel was among those who “surrendered” in July 2016 under Oplan Tokhang after he was included in the town’s drug watch list.  SFM/rga