MAGSINGAL, Ilocos Sur – A farmer was killed while his wife was seriously wounded in a broad daylight ambush on Saturday morning along the barangay road of Brgy. Patong, Magsingal.

Lt. Richard Pajo, chief of police, identified the fatality as Maynard Unciano Torreno, 33, a resident of Brgy. Patong. His wife, Mary Rose Tabag Torreno, 32, a teacher, survived the attack but remains under medical treatment.

The couple’s 9-year-old daughter, Andrea Hilarie Torreno, a Grade 4 pupil, was unharmed in the assault.

Police said the victims were traveling westward on a black Honda TMX tricycle (plate number 709AWG) around 8:40 a.m. when unidentified assailants wearing face bonnets emerged from the right side of the road and opened fire multiple times. The suspects immediately fled toward an unknown direction.

Both victims sustained multiple gunshot wounds and were rushed to Ilocos Sur District Hospital. Maynard Torreno was declared dead on arrival by attending physician Dr. Marley Oracion, while Mary Rose is still undergoing treatment.

Authorities have identified the alleged gunman as a certain alias “Ambang.”

The Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) recovered 10 fired cartridge cases of Cal. 5.56, eight fired cartridge cases of Cal. .45, and the victims’ tricycle at the scene.

A hot pursuit operation against the suspect is ongoing, Pajo added.