Father fatally shoots son amid domestic dispute in San Nicolas

SAN NICOLAS, llocos Norte — A domestic argument ended in tragedy on the morning of 3 January 2025, when a retired army officer fatally shot his 25-year-old son in Barangay 22, San Guillermo, San Nicolas, llocos Norte.

The San Nicolas Municipal Police Station (MPS) identified the victim as Jovanie Fer Cabbat y Antonio, 25, single, and a resident of Barangay 22. The suspect, his father, was identified as Fermin Cabbat Jr. y Cabbat, 58, married, and a retired member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Initial investigations revealed that at around 8:50 AM, a heated argument occurred between the suspect and his wife. When Jovanie attempted to intervene and pacify the situation, the suspect reportedly became irate, retrieved a firearm, and shot his son.

The victim sustained fatal injuries and was rushed by his mother to Governor Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital in Laoag City via tricycle. Despite efforts to save him, he was declared dead on arrival by attending physician Dr. Robert Labuntog.

Responding police officers immediately arrested the suspect and brought him to the San Nicolas police station for booking. The firearm used in the incident has not yet been recovered as authorities continue their investigation.