A 36-year-old construction worker was declared dead on arrival at the hospital after he was shot in Barangay Cabuloan, Bangued, Abra on Monday, September 16, 2024.

Renier Romero, the victim, had sought shelter from the rain at a friend's house. He was then shot once in the back while inside the home.

"Not knowing na ang suspek ay nasa bintana, doon umano nagmula ang putok," PLTCOL. Daniel Pel-ey, Chief of the Provincial Community Affairs and Development Unit (PCADU) Abra Police Provincial Office (PPO), said.

The homeowner, Warlito Valera, reported that he did not see the suspect and was surprised when he heard the gunshot.

"Nag-uusap kami, nakayuko siya at nagte-text. Nang may putok — isang putok — yung aray [ng biktima] ang narinig ko sa kanya," Valera said.

The motive behind the shooting is still under investigation.

The victim's family is calling for justice.

"Gusto kung mahuli ang pumatay sa asawa ko, gusto kung makaharap at matanong kung bakit niya pinatay ang mister ko," Shana Basis, Romero's partner, said.

Romero had reportedly left for work earlier that morning, only for his family to receive the tragic news of his death.

The search for the suspect continues.