1 Man Killed And 1 Injured During A Shooting Incident In Catlubong, Buguias, Benguet

A man was killed while another was injured during a shooting incident that transpired in Bot-oan, Catlubong, Buguias, Benguet on Monday night (July 27). The fatality has been identified as Samuel Nahakey Pattian (55 years old) while the one injured is Ariel Lamsis Pattian (28 years old). Both men are farmers and residents in the area. The two gunmen who attacked them are yet to be identified.

According to Chief Inspector Fernando Botangen of the Buguias Municipal Police Station, the two victims were on their way home after attending a wake when they were attacked on the road between 9:30 and 10:00 pm. Both men incurred multiple gunshot wounds. Ariel was reportedly able to escape the attackers to call for help.

Samuel perished on the site of the incident while Ariel was rushed by responders to the Abatan Lutheran Hospital located in the same town. Ariel was then transferred to the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC) for further treatment and observation.

Police investigators recovered from the crime scene several shells of a .45 caliber handgun. The investigators are still trying to find out the identity of the perpetrators as well as the motive behind the attack.

The Buguias Municipal Police Station is appealing to people who may have information that can help in solving the case to contact them immediately.

[Source: Herald Express]

Image credit: Tony Webster via Flickr. (CC By 2.0)

Manila's #1 Most Wanted Criminal Arrested At A Jeepney Terminal In Baguio City

Jonathan D. Bassey used to sit on top of the Most Wanted Criminals list of Manila. This ended in the evening of July 14 (Tuesday) when policemen cornered and arrested him at a jeepney terminal located along Kayang Street in Baguio City. Known for his alias Dodong Simbolo, Bassey is wanted in Manila for multiple counts of murder. Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada says he's wanted for seven counts of murder. An ABS-CBN News report puts the number as "two cases". Prior to his arrest, a bounty amounting to 200,000 pesos was promised by the Philippine National Police (PNP) to anyone who can help in catching the wanted criminal.

Bassey was able to elude the law for over six years. On August 7, 2007, Bassey allegedly stabbed to death a man named Allan Padilla along Batangas Street in Tondo, Manila. And on December 25, 2008, Bassey was accused of fatally shooting Mark Anthony Allan So along Almeda Street in Tondo. Bassey denied the charges. According to him, in one of the cases, he simply acted in self-defense.

Bassey was arrested through the joint efforts of the Manila Police District and the intelligence unit of the Baguio City Police Office. Police investigators were tipped off by a relative of one of Bassey's victims. Said informant reportedly saw a picture of Bassey on Facebook. Digging deeper, the investigators soon found out that the suspect was indeed hiding in Baguio City. He was finally arrested by the authorities last Tuesday evening.

Jonathan Bassey being presented to Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada by Rolando Nana of the Manila Police and Dante Lubos of the Baguio Police. Photo by Joel Santos via Estrada's Facebook page.

Taxi Driver Robbed By Two Men In La Trinidad; Earnings Amounting To 2,600 Pesos Taken Away From Him.

A 50-year-old cab driver is the latest victim of hold-uppers operating in Baguio City and nearby Benguet towns. Anito Celestial, a taxi driver who hails from Urdaneta City, Pangasinan and a current resident of Irisan, Baguio City, was robbed of his hard-earned collection by two men on Monday night (June 29).

Celestial was flagged down by the two still unidentified men along Naguilian Road. They asked him to take them to barangay Puguis in La Trinidad where they said they're going to attend the wake of a dead relative.

While they were traversing the Puguis-Longlong Road, the two men asked the driver to stop at an unlighted section of the road. That's when one of the men pulled out a handgun and announced a robbery. The driver tried to fight back and a brief scuffle ensued. The handgun went off. Fortunately, the driver wasn't hit.

The two men was able to take off with the driver's earnings collection that amounted to at least 2,600 pesos. The driver sought the help of the La Trinidad police who responded and scoured the area but there was no sign of the suspects. [Source: Herald Express]

It can be recalled that a robbery attempt occurred just last month along Kilometer 3, also in La Trinidad. A man tried to divest a taxi driver of his earnings but the latter fought him off and sought help from bystanders which led to the arrest of the would-be robber.

The La Trinidad Valley. Photo by Daniel Feliciano / The Cordilleran Sun.

Remains Of A Body Found In Baguio City Believed To Be That Of A Missing SLU Student

Around 6:45 a.m. last Saturday (June 27), a man collecting mushrooms along a section of the Balacbac Road in Santo Tomas Proper, Baguio City came across the remains of a body that was in an advanced state of decomposition. The body seemed to have been dumped from the road above into a ravine that's around 40 to 50 meters deep.

The man reported what he saw to the barangay captain of Sto. Tomas who in turn called the attention of the Baguio City Police Office. Identification of the remains was difficult as it was in an advanced state of decomposition. However, an identification card (a school I.D.) was recovered from a pocket of the pants the body was wearing.

The card bears the name of Raynan Marco Balantin Gumihid, a 17-year-old student in Saint Louis University taking up Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Gumihid was reported by his family as missing since June 1, 2015. In a post on Facebook dated June 9, Gumihid's father asked for help in finding his son who he said left home on June 1 but never returned. He was reportedly last seen in Buyagan, La Trinidad, Benguet.

DNA testing has to be done to confirm if the remains are indeed those of Gumihid. Investigation by the Baguio City police is ongoing.

Image credit: Lyn Friedman via Flickr.

Caught On CCTV Camera: Stabbing Incident In Baguio City That Led To The Death Of A Kagawad

In the evening of June 3 (Wednesday), a stabbing incident occurred at the O-shaped overpass near Abanao Street (at the foot of Session Road) in Baguio City. A kagawad (councilman) of barangay Kayang-Hilltop died while a tanod was injured. The suspect who was reportedly drunk when the incident occurred is currently at large and yet to be identified.

The kagawad who perished has been identified as Victor Dimayo Solomon, a 40-year-old entrepreneur and resident of Hilltop in Baguio City. The injured tanod is 22-year-old Junior Mendoza.

According to the Baguio City police, Solomon, Mendoza and an unidentified 19-year-old waitress were walking on the overpass and were on their way to the night market along Harrison Road when a man shouted at them. Mendoza approached the man to check on him. That's when the man started stabbing Mendoza and Solomon.

The two victims were rushed to the Baguio City General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC). Solomon expired while being treated. Mendoza, on the other hand, survived. The suspect was able to escape. The Baguio City police is still investigating the case.

A CCTV surveillance camera installed at the overpass caught on video portions of the incident. ABS-CBN got their hands on the video and uploaded it on YouTube. The clip shows commotion on the overpass where the incident happened. You can watch the video below. [The video contains scenes that are not suitable for very young audiences. Proceed with caution.]

Screen-grab from ABS-CBN's YouTube account.

17-Year-Old Student Found Dead Inside Of Their House In Irisan, Baguio City

Police investigators in Baguio City are currently trying to figure out who's behind the killing of a 17-year-old student who was found dead inside of their house Wednesday afternoon in barangay Irisan.

According to a police report, the Saint Louis University student was found devoid of life by his father when the latter arrived from the province to visit his son at their home in Purok 15 in said barangay.

The victim has been identified as Ariston Inyoh, a native of Banaue, Ifugao and a first year student in Saint Louis University. Ariston lived alone at their house in Irisan. Police investigators divulged that the student may have been dead for two or three days before he was found by his father.

Several stab wounds were found on his body. However, an autopsy has to be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.

People who have information that can help the Baguio City police in solving this case are encouraged to contact the authorities and divulge what they know.

[Sources: Bombo Radyo, Herald Express]

Baguio City

4 Suspected Motorcycle Thieves In La Trinidad, Benguet Arrested By The Police

In two separate arrests on Saturday, four men in La Trinidad were taken into police custody for allegedly stealing motorcycles in Baguio City and La Trinidad.

Among those who fell into the hands of the law are three men caught by a police patrol along a portion of Halsema Highway in Tomay. The cops saw the three men pushing a motorcycle. When queried by the cops, the three men weren't able to produce documents proving that they own the vehicle.

The cops also noticed that the motorcycle's ignition wire has been cut. During the arrest, a kitchen knife, a screw driver, and a wrench was recovered from the three men. It was soon found out that the motorcycle they had in their possession was reported stolen along Naguilian Road in Baguio City. It belonged to a money collector.

The three suspects have been identified as Monico Enomneng Hernandez (28 years old), Ariel Say-ao Moquil (27), and Nickson Babawen Binaliw (28). All three are from the town of Tadian in Mt. Province and residents of Puguis in La Trinidad. They've been turned over by the La Trinidad Police to the Baguio City Police for jurisdiction reasons.

Also caught by the police in a separate arrest for a similar crime was Rizaldy Martinez Gamong-e, a 28-year-old farmer from Mabalite, Tadian, Mt. Province. He was intercepted at a police checkpoint in Shilan, La Trinidad. The motorcycle he was driving was a vehicle reported missing. He is now in the custody of the La Trinidad Police.

[Sources: Herald Express, La Trinidad Municipal Police Station]

A busy street in the town of La Trinidad. The Cordilleran Sun file photo.

Woman From Kiangan, Ifugao Shot Dead Inside A Jeepney In Baguio City

Police investigators in Baguio City are currently trying to figure out the identity of the man who shot and killed a woman in Baguio City on Monday evening (May 18). The victim has since been identified as Geraldine Pugong Dumayahon, a 39-year-old from Kiangan, Ifugao and a resident of Purok 3 in Gibraltar, Baguio City.

Based on information gathered by the Baguio City police from passengers of the jeepney and bystanders, the shooting happened around 7:30 in the evening along Lower Mabini Street. Dumayahon boarded a jeepney bound for Mines View. Out of nowhere, a man approached her from behind and unloaded two shots - one to her back and one to the back of her neck.

Shocked passengers of the jeepney then rushed the woman to the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

None of the passengers and bystanders were able to identify the suspect. Recovered from the crime scene were two empty shells from a .45 caliber handgun.

The Herald Express also reported that the victim was a former Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW). However, it's still yet to be known if this has anything to do with the incident. The paper also quoted Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan expressing his dismay and alarm that a crime of this magnitude can occur in a very busy section of the city.

23-Year-Old Man In Baguio City Dies After Being Stabbed By His Live-In Partner

A young man living in Baguio City died on Thursday evening (May 14) after being stabbed by his live-in partner at their rented home along Magsaysay Avenue. The man has been identified as Ismael Ngahilao Bolling, a native of barangay Aduyungan in Mayoyao, Ifugao. He was only 23 years old. The suspect is Lelibeth Ocsino Serencio, a 37-year-old from Davao City. The two were sharing a room along Magsaysay Avenue.

The Herald Express reported that the stabbing incident may have been triggered by a heated argument between the two. They were reportedly heard by the neighbors exchanging words. The victim was accusing the suspect of having an affair with another man.

Moments later, a neighbor heard someone knocking on his door. When he opened it, there was Bolling, bloodied and pleading for the neighbor to take him to the hospital. He was rushed to the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center but it was already too late when he got there.

Serencio has surrendered and is now under the custody of the Baguio City Police Office. A bloody kitchen knife which is believed to have been the one used during the stabbing was recovered from the couple's rented space. Bolling was hit in the chest. It was fatal because of the blade going through his heart.

Main Suspect In The Murder Of A Boy In Bontoc Named By The Bontoc Municipal Police

Justice for the senseless murder of a 13-year-old boy in the town of Bontoc in Mt. Province is a step closer to being attained after the town's police force named a primary suspect. It can be recalled that on April 10, 2015, the lifeless body of Bryden John Faniswa Crisostomo was found in the second floor of a building in Bontoc Ili. The boy, who just recently graduated from Grade 6, was found with multiple stab wounds on his body.

The man believed by the police to have committed the crime is Saldy Alinung Dalug, a 21-year-old laborer from Basao, Tinglayan, Kalinga. According to Police Senior Inspector Richard Soliven of the Bontoc Municipal Police Station, Dalug was linked to the crime by four witnesses who voluntarily provided statements to the police.

A murder charge will be filed against Dalug who is still at large. The police and the victim's family are calling on Dalug to surrender and face the accusations lodged against him. Surrendering will also give him the chance to prove his innocence, in the event that he denies the accusations.

Image credit: Echoes of Wisdom via Facebook.

Suspect In The Murder Of A Female Student In Baguio City Arrested By The Baguio City Police

The hands of the law caught up with the main suspect in the killing of a college student in Baguio City. The Baguio City Police (BCPO) has arrested the man just a day after the lifeless body of Carmela Calixto was found in a portion of the road along Crystal Cave in barangay Bakakeng Central. The name of the suspect hasn't been divulged.

According to a Bombo Radyo report, Carmela's body was spotted by a passing taxi driver who immediately reported what he saw to the city police. Upon examination by Dr. Hector Sora, medicolegal officer of the Scene of the Crime Operatives, it was found out that the student has been dead for less than 12 hours before it was seen by the passing taxi driver.

Carmela Calixto is a student in Pines City Colleges (PCC). She was taking up a course in Physical Therapy. She hails from the town of Aritao in Nueva Vizcaya. Her remains were brought to the St. Peter's Chapel along Marcos Highway in Baguio City. She was taken home to Nueva Vizcaya on March 11.

Image credit: from Facebook.

Friends and relatives of Ms. Calixto are calling that justice be served to the person who committed the crime. Messages of condolences and calls for justice were circulated via social media.

43 Wanted Persons In Cordillera Fall In Two-Week Police Operation

By Phoebelene Cariño and Rizel Villanueva- UC PRO-COR Interns

Police Regional Office Cordillera: The Police Regional Office Cordillera arrested 43 persons wanted for various criminal offenses, including 8 of the Top Most Wanted Persons (TMWP) in the region during a two-week intensified anti-crime operation, which began on February 14, 2015.

Police Regional Director Chief Superintendent Isagani R. Nerez said that PRO-COR has renewed its campaign against wanted persons to account for those who are running from the law and are using the region as their hiding place to evade justice.

One of the most notorious persons arrested was Nestor Dumapi Batang-e who was listed as Ifugao’s Number 4 TMWP. He was charged with Frustrated Murder and nabbed at So Bet-ang, Binugawan, Kasibu, NuevaVizcaya by the joint personnel of the Intelligence Branch (PIB) of Tinoc MPS, and IPPSC in coordination with Quezon and Kasibu MPS of Nueva Vizcaya PPO. The RTC Br 14 of Lagawe, Ifugao has recommended a bail bond of Php200,000.00.

Also, police arrested Severino Rosarion Esteban who was listed as the No 5 TMWP in La Trinidad Benguet during an operation at the La Trinidad Public Market on February 14, 2015. Esteban is facing one count of Acts of Lasciviousness before the regional trial court in La Trinidad, that recommended a Php80,000.00bail bond for his temporary liberty.

Meanwhile, the tracker team of Flora MPS Apayao arrested Pablo Dagdagan, who was listed as the No 4 TMWP in the municipality of Flora on February 24 in Brgy San Jose, Flora, Apayao. Dagdagan was charged with Estafa by RTC Br 26, Luna, Apayaowith a recommended bail bond of Php20,000.00,.

Following was the arrest of the Number 1 and 2 TMWP respectively in the municipality of Balbalan, Kalinga charged with Frustrated Homicide. Suspects identified as Irene Iddamag Doy-ac, and Arnel Cagwayan Doy-ac, were nabbed in Barangay Salegseg, Balbalan, Kalinga on February 25, 2015 by the operatives of Balbalan MPS. RTC, Second Judicial Region, Branch 25, Bulanao, Tabuk City, Kalingahas recommended a bail bond of Php24, 000.00 each for their temporary liberty.

On the other hand, the No. 2 TMWP in the municipality of Cagayan Province charged with Murder identified as Rey Tabanda Baniel was nabbed at his residence in Brgy. Zumigui, Luna, Apayao on February 22, 2015 by the joint tracker team of Luna MPS and personnel of Ballesteros MPS of Cagayan PPO. While the No. 6 TMWP in the municipality of Cordon, Isabela charged with a crime of Rape identified as Crisanto Dinamman Agbayani was arrested at Brgy Pinto, Alfonso Lista, Ifugao on February 20, 2015 by the tracker team of Alfonso Lista MPS.

Both suspects has no recommended bail bond issued by Judges Francisco S. Donato, Executive Judge of RTC Branch 33 2nd Judicial Region, Ballesteros, Cagayan and Judge Fe Albano Madrid of the RTC, Branch 2, Santiago City respectively. Meanwhile, the leader of an elusive and notorious carnapping group and listed as the No. 10 Top Most wanted Person (TMWP) by the Regional Highway Patrol Unit-NCR (RHPU) and RHPU 3 was arrested at his residence in Barangay Dominican-Mirador, Baguio City in the afternoon of February 16, 2015.

Police car lights. Image credit: Robert Kuykendall via Flickr (CC BY NC-SA 2.0).

Personnel of RHPU in coordination with Police Station 1, BCPO and with the assistance of Brgy. Officials of Barangay Dominican-Mirador, Baguio City arrested the suspect identified as Eduardo C. Bonifacio “a.k.a.” Nathaniel Dela Cruz Rivera who is said to be the leader of a carnapping group operating in Metro Manila and Region 3.

Bonifacio was charged with three different crimes: Robbery, Violation of RA 6539 known as the "Anti-Carnapping Act of 1972", issued by the RTC of Bulacan Third Judicial Region, Branch 7, Malolos, Bulacan with a total recommended bail of Php360,000.00 and for Violation of PD 1612 known as the Anti-Fencing issued byRTC Br. 269, Valenzuela City with recommended bail of Php40,000.00.

PRO-Cordillera team are still checking for other cases the group might have been involved in and the identity of victims in Cordillera and other places in Metro Manila and Region 3.

In addition, Thirty-five (35) other wanted criminals fall in this two weeks operation for committing various crimes in the different parts of the regionwith mostcases of Rape, Estafa, Theft, Violence against Women and Children and High Grading.

The massive arrest of this criminals showed that the police force is serious in arresting all the wanted criminals who are roaming or hiding from the long arms of the law.

PRO-COR leadership reiterated his orders to his men to continue their unrelenting campaign against wanted criminals in their respective area of jurisdiction.

Caught On Camera: Man In Baguio City Trying To Steal From Saint Louis University Students

If you've experienced being a student in any of the major universities in Baguio City, then you know what the gates look like during dismissal and rush hours. The hundreds of students either entering or going out the gates create a commotive environment. Finding yourself in such a crowd, you sort of take for granted what's happening around you. You readily presume that you are in safe territory because all around you are your fellow students.

Unfortunately, there are professional thieves out there who take advantage of these situations and rush hours to prey on unsuspecting students. These thieves hang around university gates, dress and act like students, and pounce when they see students with easy-to-open backpacks or bags. There are dozens of reports of students  losing their wallets. mobile phones, and other valuables in or near school gates. Coincidence? Nope. This is simply because a lot of thieves hang around in these areas.

In the following video, a pickpocket was caught on camera trying to steal from the backpack of a student. The footage was taken along Bonifacio Street near the main entrance of the Saint Louis University. A man in a red baseball cap can be seen following two students and trying to pry open the backpack of one of the students.

Needless to say, if you are a student in Baguio City, better keep a firm grip on your mobile phone, bag or whatever valuable you have with you when going to and from school.

Suspects In The Killing Of A Woman In Baguio City Charged With Murder And Theft

The two female suspects in the killing of a 27-year-old woman in Loakan Proper, Baguio City have been charged with murder and theft. The two suspects who have been identified as Jareas Simeon and Jennifer Jacaban have been arrested and now in the custody of the Baguio City police.

The two women admitted that they were behind the killing of Buena Sol Arro who was also their housemate in the same apartment in Loakan Proper. Arro's lifeless body was found by her boyfriend last Wednesday (January 7) hidden inside a cabinet beneath a sink inside of her apartment. Arro was also reportedly stuffed inside a large suitcase.

The police investigation also showed that an argument over the unpaid rent for the apartment was the root behind Arro's murder. Arro was reportedly arguing with the suspects when it turned into a physical fight which resulted to Arro being hit behind the head with a metal pipe.

Jaime Rodrigo Leal of the Baguio City police crime lab confirmed that the cause of death was due to traumatic head injuries. "Yung pipe consistent naman sa injuries ng biktima," Leal said in an ABS-CBN report.

Photo of Buena Sol Arro from her Google+ page.

The two suspects also took away some of the victim's belongings after committing the crime. These include a laptop, mobile phones, a digital camera, and some cash. The gadgets have been recovered from them.

"Naifile na natin yung kaso, na-inquest na namin sila kahapon, kinasuhan natin sila ng murder and theft," said Police Senior Superintendent Rolando Miranda, Director of the Baguio City police, in an interview with GMA News.

Arro hails from the town of Sison in Pangasinan. She was an employee of one of the companies at the Philippine Economic Zone Authority site in Baguio City.

Woman In Loakan Proper, Baguio City Killed And Robbed By Her Own Board Mates

The start of the new year has been tragic for a family in Sison, Pangasinan. Alexander Arro and his wife Soledad received the news on Wednesday (January 7) that their only daughter Buena Sol who resides in Baguio City has been found dead in her apartment in Loakan Proper.

Her body was stuffed inside a traveling suitcase and hidden under her apartment's sink. Her very own board mates have been identified as the suspects. According to a news report by ABS-CBN, Arro's two board mates hit her at the back of her head. Dr. Jaime Rodrigo Leal of the Baguio City Police's crime lab stated that the traumatic injury to Arro's head was the cause of her death.

"Cause of death is blunt, traumatic head injuries. Yung pipe consistent naman sa injuries ng biktima", said Dr. Leal.

Based on the police's initial investigation, the incident was caused by arguments between Arro and her board mates with regards to the payment of their apartment's rent. The Baguio police believe that Arro was killed on Monday (January 5).

A street in Baguio City. The Cordilleran Sun file photo.

The two suspects who have not been identified by the police also took some of the victim's belongings including a laptop, mobile phones, a digital camera, and some cash. The gadgets were recovered from the suspects. As to the cash, they said they've already spent it.

The suspects are now under the custody of the Baguio police and they will be charged with homicide and theft.

Miner In Itogon, Benguet Gunned Down By Fellow Miner

A miner was fatally shot by a fellow miner during a heated altercation in Firstgate, Ucab in Itogon, Benguet last Tuesday (October 21). The victim has been identified as Chito Habiling Balyogan, 32 years old and hailing from Hingyon, Ifugao. The suspect has been identified as Ronald Hangdaan, age unknown. Hangdaan traces his roots from Maddela, Quirino and Banaue, Ifugao.

According to a Bombo Radyo Baguio report, witnesses saw the two men arguing when Hangdaan suddenly pulled out a gun which was allegedly a .45 caliber pistol. Hangdaan directed his first shot into the sky before firing three rounds towards Balyogan. The shots immediately put the victim to the ground.

Balyogan was brought to a hospital and was subjected to a two-hour emergency operation  but it was too late and he expired eventually. The suspect escaped aboard a motorcycle. Investigation and a manhunt for Hangdaan is still ongoing. If you have any information as to his whereabouts, contact the police or the nearest barangay station.

Pilipino Star Ngayon reported that an uneven distribution of earnings from their mining activities may have been the cause for the altercation which led to the shooting.

Photo by Lynn Friedman via Flickr.

2 Dead Men Found Along Marcos Highway In Poyopoy, Tuba, Benguet

Two still unidentified men were found on a ravine along a stretch of Marcos Highway within the vicinity of Poyopoy in Tuba, Benguet on Wednesday morning (October 15). The two male cadavers were found by garbage collectors between 8 and 9 in the morning of said date.

Based on a post-mortem examination conducted by Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) of the Baguio City Police, the cause of death for one of the victims is either because of a punctured wound on his head or asphyxia caused by strangulation. The cause of death for the other victim is also believed to be asphyxia because of strangulation.

The two men have heights of between 5'1'' and 5'3". They are believed to have been thrown at the ravine a day before they were found by garbage collectors.

The bodies of the two men were brought to the La Paz Funeraria. The Baguio City police is also calling on people who have missing relatives to go to La Paz Funeraria, the Baguio City Police Office, or to the Tuba Municipal Police Station for possible identification.

The stretch of Marcos Highway along Tuba is infamously known for a dumping ground for dead bodies. Prior to the men found this Wednesday, a dead man was also found there last March with his ankles tied and his eyes covered with masking tape.

Photo by Glory Balegan (Bombo Radyo).

Post by Glory C. Balegan.

[Source: Glory Balegan via Facebook.]

6 Year Old Boy In La Trinidad, Benguet Accidentally Shoots Himself Dead

A 6-year-old boy in Pico, La Trinidad, Benguet died after he accidentally shot himself with a home-made gun. These types of firearms are commonly referred to in the local vernacular as "paltik". The incident happened last Wednesday (September 24).

The young victim has been identified as Clezar Jones Mangoyao. He was a grade 1 pupil at the Central Buyagan Elementary School. According to a police report, the accidental shooting happened at the apartment where the victim and his mother, Leticia Mangoyao, 45, were staying.

The boy was reportedly playing inside his room when he saw the gun, mistook it for a toy, and started playing with it. That's when it went off and struck him on his chest. He was rushed to the nearby Benguet General Hospital but he passed away.

According to the mother, she doesn't own the "paltik". She said that it's owned by someone named Dave Denver Tindo who is from Bakun, Benguet and that it was given to her for safekeeping.

La Trinidad, Benguet

Leticia is currently separated from her husband Clifford Mangoyao. The La Trinidad police are investigating if there's any foul play involved in the boy's death. The police are also mulling which case to file against the owner of the "paltik". [Sources: ABS-CBN, Pilipino Star Ngayon]

Two Minor Girls Rob 70-Year-Old Taxi Driver In Baguio City

Taxi drivers within Baguio City and neighboring Benguet towns will have to keep their eyes more vigilant these days. Criminals are becoming bolder and younger. 

Last Thursday night, two girls were taken into custody by the Baguio City police after they tried to rob a 70-year-old taxi driver. The names of the two suspects weren't divulged by the police as they were minors.

The victim who has been identified as Honorio Villanueva Dilan, 70 years old,  picked up the two girls along Kilometer 3 in La Trinidad, Benguet. The two said that their destination would be along Access Road in Loakan, Baguio City. When they were along Access Road, the two girls suddenly whipped out knives, pointed these at the driver and declared a hold-up.

After the two girls fled, the taxi driver immediately called the police which led to the arrest of the two suspects. Because they were minors, the two were brought under the care of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). [Source: Bombo Radyo]

Photo by Daniel Agostini via Flickr.

Man Ties And Robs A Dentist In Baguio City Of 24,000 Pesos

A dentist in Baguio City was robbed inside his clinic which is located along Dagohoy Street. The Baguio City Police Office is currently investigating the robbery case. The victim has been identified as Dr. Ferrer Dao-ines Comtiag, 52 years old and a resident of barangay Wangal in La Trinidad, Benguet. Dr. Comtiag is originally from the town of Tadian in Mt. Province.

According to a police report, Comtiag was alone in his clinic in Dagohoy St. when a man who disguised himself as a patient entered. The still unidentified suspect then suddenly locked the door of the clinic, whipped out a handgun, and declared a hold-up. The victim wasn't able to get a clear look of the man's face as he was wearing a hat.

After pointing his gun to Dr. Comtiag, the suspect ordered him to lie face-down on the floor. He then took off with the clinic's collection amounting to 16,000 pesos plus a wristwatch worth 8,000 pesos for a total amount of 24,000 pesos.

Before the suspect fled the scene, he tied the victim's hands as well as stuff a piece of cloth into his mouth to prevent him from shouting for help. Dr. Comtiag was rescued when people from a nearby office noticed that the clinic was closed even though it was clinic hours.

Photo by Lynn Friedman via Flickr.

This is not the first reported crime in Baguio City concerning robberies held in dental clinics. It can be recalled that several of these crimes also happened last year. It's also common in other urban centers especially in Metro Manila wherein there's a syndicate whose main targets are dental clinics.

Note: An earlier version of this article identified the victim as a female. Dr. Comtiag is a male. Our apologies for the error.