DINGRAS, ILOCOS NORTE — Authorities apprehended two suspects connected to a shooting incident that occurred early on 17 December, 2024, along Binaratan Road, Barangay Cali, Dingras, Ilocos Norte. Among those arrested was a Sangguniang Bayan member of Marcos, Ilocos Norte.

The victim, 19-year-old John Restie Decamos of Sitio Malasin, Barangay Lanas, Dingras, sustained a gunshot wound in the attack. Decamos and his companion, James Rafael Manmano, had stopped at Exponent Gasoline Station in Barangay Parado to refuel their motorcycle when they encountered a couple on a black Yamaha Sniper motorcycle.

An argument ensued when the unidentified male accused Decamos of staring at him. Decamos reportedly replied, “You’re the one who’s looking at me.” After leaving the gas station, Decamos and Manmano headed south on the national highway before turning onto Binaratan Road toward Barangay Cali.

The Yamaha Sniper followed them. The male passenger removed his helmet, blew at Decamos, and fired a single shot, hitting him in the right shoulder. Decamos received treatment at Gov. Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital in Laoag City, while the suspects fled the scene.

Investigation and arrest

Investigators from the Dingras Police Station reviewed CCTV footage from the gas station and surrounding areas. This led to the identification of the suspects as 21-year-old physical therapy student Shaun Alexis Pillos and 26-year-old Sangguniang Bayan member RB Nuval, both residents of Barangay Valdez, Marcos.

Law enforcers arrested the suspects at Pillos’ residence in Barangay Valdez following a hot pursuit operation. However, the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO) refused to clarify whether the arrests occurred on December 17 or December 18. The INPPO also did not respond to questions regarding delays in reporting the incident to the media, a recurring issue in similar cases.

Police informed the suspects of their constitutional rights before transporting them to Dingras Police Station for documentation and the filing of charges.

Evidence recovered

Crime scene investigators retrieved significant evidence, including four live ammunition rounds, three fired cartridge cases, one fired bullet for a caliber .45 firearm, a deformed cartridge, a bull cap, and a cellphone.

Authorities continue to investigate the motive for the attack, which has gained attention due to the involvement of a public official. Legal actions against the suspects are underway.