Laoag City — A 37-year-old carpenter was shot and killed in Badoc, Ilocos Norte on Sunday with police confirming the immediate arrest of the suspect following a hot pursuit operation.

The victim was identified as Mark Anthony Pahinag Galgalan, single and a resident of Sitio Cabuaan, Brgy. Napu, Badoc. According to a police report, Badoc MPS received a call around 12:03 PM regarding a shooting incident in the said barangay.

Initial investigation revealed that the victim was about to begin a drinking session with companions when the suspect, a 47-year-old male farmer from the same barangay, arrived armed with a firearm. Witnesses said the suspect pointed the gun at the victim’s companions and then ordered the victim to drink, before shooting him in the head for no apparent reason.

The suspect immediately fled on a black TMX motorcycle wearing shorts and a white shirt, heading east.

Personnel of the Badoc Police Station launched a hot pursuit operation, successfully apprehending the suspect at his residence and recovering the getaway vehicle. Authorities are still searching for the firearm used. The Ilocos Norte Provincial Forensic Unit recovered one fired cartridge case of caliber .45 from the crime scene.

The victim was rushed to Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital in Batac City but was declared dead at around 12:50 PM while undergoing treatment.

Police clarified that the motive appears to be personal grudge and not related to any election matter.

A progress report is expected to follow.