Abra killing incidents on the rise

BAGUIO CITY — A high school teacher and a dentist were shot and killed Wednesday afternoon at a coffee shop in Bangued, Abra, less than 24 hours after a driver was killed and a day after a barangay captain survived a slay attempt in the same town.

Police identified the victims as Odilon Peria, a high school teacher, and Francisco Beria Jr., a dentist. The shooting occurred at the Daily Dose coffee shop in Zone 6, Bangued.

Initial investigation by Bangued police indicated that Peria was sitting at a table with a colleague near the coffee shop fence, while Beria was at another table.

According to police, a man wearing a helmet approached Peria from behind and shot him four times before fleeing in an unknown direction. Peria was rushed to a hospital by bystanders but was declared dead on arrival. He sustained two gunshot entry wounds in his back with two exit wounds in his left chest, and a gunshot wound to his left hand.

Responding officers found Beria’s body still seated at his table, leaning against the shop wall. He sustained a gunshot wound to his left temple.

The Abra Provincial Police are conducting a manhunt operation and have established checkpoints to apprehend the suspect and determine the motive for the shooting. They are also asking for the public’s support and cooperation in solving the series of killings in the province.

According to news reports, the deaths of Peria and Beria bring the total number of reported killings in Abra to eight between 28 February and 26 March 2025. Many of the victims have been reportedly connected to politicians running in the upcoming municipal and provincial elections.

In a statement, the Abra Provincial Police Office (PPO) assured the public that they and other government agencies are working to solve the crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Abra PPO director Gilbert Fati-ig stressed the police organization’s commitment to maintaining peace and order in the province.

He also urged citizens to report any information that could lead to the identification of suspects and masterminds, assuring confidentiality for informants.

Meantime, Abra Acting Governor Russel Bragas also issued a statement appealing to residents to choose peace and not to be swayed by manipulation. He called for unity in condemning all acts of violence and urged vigilance.