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. |