3 days ago
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CAMP DANGWA, Benguet — A high school teacher was shot dead and a dentist was wounded in the latest outbreak of violence in Abra province.
The Police Regional Office-Cordillera (PRO-CAR) reported Thursday that a lone assailant shot to death Odilon Peria, a teacher of Abra High School, at Zone 3 in the capital town of Bangued on Wednesday.
A dentist identified as Francisco Beria Jr. sustained a gunshot wound but survived the same gun attack.
The suspect, who was wearing a motorcycle helmet, came from behind while Peria was sitting on a table with his companion, Charlon Blaguera, 38, also a teacher at Abra High School.
Blaguera quickly sought cover after witnessing how Peria was shot on the head.
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The dentist, who was sitting alone on the opposite table, got hit when the suspect opened fire.
It was not immediately known if Peria and Blaguera were tasked to serve as members of the electoral board in the upcoming 2025 midterm elections.
PRO-CAR director BGen. David Peredo Jr., meanwhile, instructed the Abra Police Provincial Office to sustain its campaign against holders of loose firearms in relation to the midterm elections.
Peredo also assured the public that PRO-CAR is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring a safe and orderly electoral process.
He said he has already detailed the region's enhanced law enforcement efforts, which include the strategic deployment of personnel, intensified checkpoint operations and increased patrols in key areas.
He specifically mentioned the deployment of additional personnel to Abra to reinforce security during the campaign period.
Ranking police officers and election officials are closely monitoring the peace and order situation in Abra province, which has a long history of political violence.
On Feb. 28, armed men ambush a convoy of a mayoral candidate in Pilar, Abra, killing on the spot a barangay chief and a driver while another civilian was wounded.
